Flying to London
Start with the shape of the trip
London is one of the world’s busiest destinations—culture, history, and connections to the rest of Europe. Four major airports serve the city, so comparing them can save you a lot.
Find cheap flights to London. Compare Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton and book on our partner site.
Flying to London
London is one of the world’s busiest destinations—culture, history, and connections to the rest of Europe. Four major airports serve the city, so comparing them can save you a lot.

London at a glance
Airport
LHR - London
Region
England • UK • Europe
Best for
Short city breaks

Trip planning depth
Use these checks to move beyond a thin destination overview and decide whether the fare, arrival airport, timing, and trip style fit the journey you actually want.
Fare strategy
Treat London as a city break search rather than a generic flight query. That means the best fare is the one that matches your arrival airport, ground-transfer plan, baggage needs, and trip length, not just the lowest headline price shown first.
For England, UK, Europe, compare at least one flexible-date view before you decide. If your dates are fixed, use the search results to test nearby departure times and cabin-bag rules so you can see whether the cheapest fare is still the best practical ticket.
Airport fit
Start with LHR for London, then compare nearby airports only when the transfer still supports the trip. A cheaper landing point can lose its value if it adds a late arrival, a long rail transfer, or an overnight stay before you reach London.
This guide is especially useful when comparing routes from Amsterdam, Berlin, Lisbon, and Madrid. If one origin city prices high, check whether a nearby departure airport or an adjacent travel day gives you the same trip with fewer compromises.
Timing
European city fares are often most sensitive to Friday-to-Sunday demand, event weekends, and public holidays. A Tuesday or Wednesday departure can be the cleanest first test.
If you are building a longer trip around London, run two searches: one with your ideal dates and one with the nearest midweek or shoulder-season alternative. The gap between those results tells you whether it is worth adjusting the itinerary.
Alternatives
If prices to London look high, compare Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, and Bristol before you book. Similar destinations can price differently when airline capacity, events, or school breaks shift demand.
The goal is not to chase every possible airport. It is to find the point where a lower fare still keeps the trip simple enough to be worth booking.
Airports
Heathrow (LHR) is the main long-haul hub, with the most flights from the US and elsewhere. Gatwick (LGW) is south of the city and has strong European and transatlantic service. Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) are farther out but are bases for many budget airlines—often the cheapest option if you don’t mind the train or coach into town. Use the search form above to compare all four; the best choice depends on your route and budget.
Gatwick (LGW)
Gatwick (LGW) is south of the city and has strong European and transatlantic service.
Stansted (STN)
Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) are farther out but are bases for many budget airlines—often the cheapest option if you don’t mind the train or coach into town.
Luton (LTN)
Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) are farther out but are bases for many budget airlines—often the cheapest option if you don’t mind the train or coach into town.
These alternatives may be useful for wider London or UK trips, but only if the ground transfer still supports the itinerary.
Timing
Peak times are summer, Christmas, and school holidays. For better value, aim for January–March or November (outside half-term). Midweek flights are usually cheaper than weekends.
Stansted and Luton are a bit of a trek into central London. Factor in train or coach cost and time when you compare—sometimes Heathrow or Gatwick works out better overall.

Highlights
Short city breaks
Keep this in mind when you compare airport options, dates, and total trip cost.
Culture-first trips
Keep this in mind when you compare airport options, dates, and total trip cost.
Shoulder-season value
Keep this in mind when you compare airport options, dates, and total trip cost.
Better-value fares
Use the search form above to compare fares to London. Enter your departure city and dates, then sort by price or stops. When you see a fare you like, click through to book on our partner site; we don't charge booking fees.
A nearby airport can be cheaper than the obvious one, especially when a city is served by multiple airports or regional alternatives.
Friday departures and Sunday returns often cost more. Midweek combinations are usually a better place to start.
Shoulder-season trips can deliver better fares, shorter lines, and more flexible flight options.
The cheapest headline fare is not always the best value after carry-on fees, seat selection, and airport transfer costs.
Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) are the main international hubs. Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN) have many European and budget flights.
Keep exploring

Scotland, UK
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) has domestic links, regional service, and selected European routes.

Northern Ireland, UK
Two airports serve the city: Belfast International and Belfast City.

England, UK
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is about 8 miles east of the city centre, with train and bus links.
Hero Image Source:Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0