As a nation, Australia may have plenty in the way of multi-cultural connections, but its British past is still very much dominant, which could be a reason why London remains one of the top three international destinations for Australians. And while the groovy British capital is still too far away for a nonstop flight, there’s still plenty to choose from in the way of return and one-way flights to London. Travellers might even want to consider a multi-stop holiday package. Why not extend your holiday with a stop-over in Asia, the Middle East, Europe or North America before continuing on to the UK?
One of the quickest ways to reach London is via the Middle East, and both Qantas and Virgin Australia offer flights in conjunction with their Middle East codeshare partners. Flying time to Abu Dhabi or Dubai for instance, takes approximately 14 hours from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney and just 11 hours from Perth. From there, it’s a quick 8 hours to London. For more specific information regarding airlines and stopover cities, go to our section "Airlines flying to London". Here we breakdown the many options when flying to the U.K.
Airlines flying to London
If there’s one thing you can be sure of when travelling to London, it’s the plentiful selection of airlines to take you there. And with exciting stop-over possibilities in Asia, the Middle East and North America, getting to London might just be half the fun. As you can see from this extensive list, airfares to London can be found on many different airlines.
These airlines can take you from Australia to London
Operating Daily to London via Asia-
- Air India (via Delhi)
- All Nippon Airways (via Tokyo)
- Asiana Airlines (via Seoul)
- British Airways* (via Singapore)
- Cathay Pacific* (via Hong Kong)
- China Eastern* (via Shanghai)
- China Southern* (via Guangzhou)
- Eva Air (via Taipei)
- Garuda Indonesia (via Jakarta)
- Japan Airlines* (via Tokyo)
- Korean Air (via Seoul)
- Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur)
- Philippine Airlines (via Manila)
- Singapore Airlines^ (via Singapore)
- Thai Airways International (via Bangkok)
- Vietnam Airlines (via Ho Chi Minh City)
Daily to London via the Middle East and Africa-
- Emirates* (via Dubai)
- Etihad^ (via Abu Dhabi)
- Qantas (via Dubai)
- Qatar (via Doha)
- South African Airways^ (via Johannesburg)
Daily to London via North America and New Zealand-
- American Airlines* (via Los Angeles)
- Delta Air Lines^ (via Los Angeles and Boston or New York)
- United Airlines (via Los Angeles or San Francisco)
* Qantas codeshare partner ^ Virgin Australia codeshare partner
Peak and off season. When to get the best deal
When booking with Aunt Betty, you’ll always find cheap flights to London, even during the peak summer travel season. But while summer travel may cost a bit more than less popular travel times, exploring London between May and September can be magical. In the warm air, the majesty of the city comes alive, as do the parks and gardens when in full bloom. London is a city best enjoyed on foot, and summer offers the perfect setting to enjoy the sites. Finding cheap London fares shouldn’t be a chore. Check with Aunt Betty, and if possible, book in advance, take advantage of the periodic summer sale fares, or consider flying into alternate UK airports to help reduce the cost of the airfare.
Getting to and leaving the airport
London’s two major airports are Heathrow and Gatwick. London Heathrow is the most coveted as it’s just 24 km west of Central London, just off the M4. Gatwick Airport lies 45 km south of the city, about half way between London and Brighton, off of the M23.
Passengers will find frequent train service between London City, Heathrow and Gatwick airport.-
- Heathrow service includes the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station or London Underground’s Piccadilly Line to Knightsbridge, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.
Both airports provide extensive rail, bus and taxi services and all major car rental companies have a presence at each airport. If transferring to another flight, some terminals are within walking distance, however automated shuttles are available.
London Airport Facilities & Services
Heathrow is a massive complex consisting of 4 terminals. Airlines may use multiple terminals for departures and arrivals. Find the terminal for your departing flight based upon your destination.
For passengers making connections at Heathrow, travel between terminals 2 and 3 is by underground walkway. Free train transfers are available from terminals 2 and 3 to terminals 4 and 5. For transfers between terminals 4 and 5, passengers can take the free shuttle bus (482 or 490) from Bus Stop 7.
Each Terminal offers the following facilities.-
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Free Wi-Fi
- Phone and laptop charging stations
- Lounges and meeting rooms
- VAT tax refund offices
- Shops and restaurants
- Showers
London as transit or stop-over destination
No matter how long your stay in London, getting out and seeing the many sights and attractions in this world capital is a must, even when on a short stop over. London is a walkable city, with great public transport options, so there’s no excuse for not taking advantage of every moment.
Take the Tube to Central London where you’ll find some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. Head to Knightsbridge for a spot of shopping at Harrods or Harvey Nichols. Just a short walk away, there’s Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace. At Westminster, visit one of London’s most famous attractions, Big Ben. Just across the River Thames, a ride on the London Eye provides excellent views of the city.
Other top London attractions include.-
- Trafalgar Square and The National Gallery