How Far is the UK from the US? | Distance, Flight Time & Travel Info

The distance from the UK to the US varies depending on the cities involved. For example, the direct distance from London to New York is about 3,460 miles (5,570 km), while London to Los Angeles is around 5,460 miles (8,780 km). Flights typically take between 6.5 and 11.5 hours. These times can be influenced by layovers, jet streams, and exact departure and arrival airports.

 

Distance Between the UK and the US

By Air (Direct Distance)

Route	Distance (km)	Distance (miles)	Flight Time
New York (JFK) – London (LHR)	5,570	3,460	6.5 – 8 h
Los Angeles (LAX) – London (LHR)	8,780	5,460	10.5 – 11.5 h
Chicago (ORD) – Manchester (MAN)	6,300	3,900	8.5 – 9.5 h
Boston (BOS) – London (LHR)	5,240	3,260	6.5 – 7 h
Miami (MIA) – London (LHR)	7,120	4,420	8.5 – 9 h
San Francisco (SFO) – London (LHR)	8,620	5,360	10 – 11 h

By Sea (Cruise or Ship)

Transatlantic cruises typically take 6 to 9 days, depending on the route and weather. The sea distance is approximately 5,500 to 6,000 km.

What Affects Travel Time?

• Jet stream and flight direction
• Time zones (5–8 hours difference)
• Airport layovers and airline routes
• Departure time and airport traffic
• Customs and immigration wait times

Travel Cost Tips

• Book flights at least 2–3 months in advance for best prices.
• Use flexible date search to find cheaper options.
• Consider flying into alternative UK airports like Manchester or Edinburgh.
• Check baggage policies—low-cost carriers often exclude checked luggage.

Fun Facts

• Shortest UK–North America route: London – St. John’s, Newfoundland (~3,600 km)
• Concorde’s NYC–London record: 2h 52m
• Most flown route: London Heathrow – New York JFK (30+ flights/day)
• Jet lag is usually stronger traveling west → east (US to UK)

Map: Visualizing the Distance

FAQ

How far is the UK from the US in miles?

It ranges from about 3,260 miles (Boston to London) to over 5,460 miles (LA to London).

How long is a flight from the US to the UK?

Flights take between 6.5 and 11.5 hours depending on departure city.

What’s the cheapest way to fly from the US to the UK?

Fly during off-peak seasons (Jan–Mar), use flight comparison tools, and consider layovers.

Which US airports have direct flights to the UK?

Major cities include New York (JFK), Boston, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas.

Can I fly to cities in the UK other than London?

Yes – Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Birmingham all have international connections.

What time zone difference should I expect?

The UK is typically 5–8 hours ahead of US cities, depending on your location.