How to get there

How to Fly to London from the US and Canada: Direct Flight Options and Airport Transportation

Updated Sun, Dec 7, 2025

London connects directly to 20+ US cities and 6 Canadian cities, with frequent daily flights taking 6-9 hours via major carriers like British Airways.

How to Fly to London from the US and Canada: Direct Flight Options and Airport Transportation

Overview

Ease of getting there

London offers excellent connectivity from North America through five major airports, with Heathrow being the primary gateway. Direct flights operate from over 20 US cities and 6 Canadian cities, with multiple daily departures from major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Toronto, and Vancouver. Flight times range from 6-9 hours depending on your departure city. British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Air Canada provide the most frequent service. Once you land, the city center is easily accessible via the Heathrow Express, Tube, or taxi. UK immigration uses e-gates for US and Canadian passport holders, making entry relatively quick and straightforward.

Customs and immigration

US and Canadian passport holders use automated e-gates at UK airports, scanning passports and taking photos for quick processing. Wait times typically range 10-30 minutes depending on flight arrival times and season. Summer months and holiday periods see longer queues. Customs follows a simple green/red channel system, with most travelers passing through without inspection. No visa required for stays under 6 months for tourism. Digital immigration forms are completed online before travel through the UK government website, streamlining the arrival process significantly.

Flights from the US / Canada

Direct flights to London Heathrow operate from New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Miami, and 15 other US cities via British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and United. From Canada, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary offer direct service through Air Canada and British Airways. Most routes have daily service, with popular routes like New York and Toronto featuring multiple daily departures. Gatwick and Stansted airports also receive some direct transatlantic flights, particularly from smaller US cities.

From airport to city center

From Heathrow Airport, the Heathrow Express reaches central London in 15 minutes, while the Piccadilly Line takes 45-60 minutes for less cost. Taxis cost £45-70 and take 30-90 minutes depending on traffic. From Gatwick, the Gatwick Express reaches Victoria Station in 30 minutes, or take Southern Rail for a cheaper option. Stansted Connect links to Liverpool Street in 47 minutes. All airports offer bus services to central London, though these take 60-90 minutes. Pre-booking airport transfers can save time and money.

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