London to New York – Flight Guide, Top Attractions & Travel Tips

Last updated: 25 August 2025

New York City is a world‑class metropolis whose skyline, museums and neighbourhoods are instantly recognisable. It’s also just a transatlantic hop from London, with dozens of non‑stop flights daily and endless things to see and do once you land. This guide will help you navigate flights, airports, accommodation, must‑see sights and practical travel tips.

✈️ How to Find Cheap London → New York Flights

The average flight time from London to New York is about 7 hours 26 minutes. Major airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta operate multiple direct services each day between Heathrow or Gatwick and New York’s three airports. Booking 2–3 months in advance and travelling midweek usually yields the best deals.

London airports: Most New York flights depart from Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW), though some budget carriers use Luton (LTN) or Stansted (STN). Consider convenience versus price: Heathrow has the most frequencies and connections, while Gatwick can offer competitive fares.

🚉 New York Airports & Transfers

New York is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty (EWR). These hubs are arranged like distant corners of a grand triangle and collectively handle thousands of flights daily. Choose your arrival point based on where you’ll be staying and how you plan to reach the city:

• JFK: The largest airport, located in Queens. Reach Manhattan via the AirTrain plus subway or Long Island Rail Road—fares start around $10.75 per person—or take a flat‑fare taxi (about $52).
• Newark Liberty: Across the Hudson River in New Jersey. Catch NJ Transit trains or shuttle buses to Manhattan, or use designated ride‑share pick‑ups.
• LaGuardia: Primarily handles domestic flights and is closest to Midtown. The cheapest options are local buses connecting to the subway; taxis and ride‑shares are quicker but more expensive.

🏨 Where to Stay in New York

Midtown Manhattan: Ideal for first‑time visitors, with theatres, Times Square, the Museum of Modern Art and major transit hubs right on your doorstep.

Downtown/Lower Manhattan: Base yourself near the Financial District, Battery Park or SoHo for easy access to Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial and ferries to the Statue of Liberty.

Brooklyn: Neighbourhoods like Williamsburg and DUMBO blend creative energy with waterfront parks, cafés and live music venues—just one subway stop from Manhattan.

Jersey City & Long Island City: These neighbouring cities offer skyline views and better value; both are minutes from Manhattan via PATH trains or the subway.

🌟 Must‑See Sights & Experiences

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Hop on a ferry from Battery Park to visit the 305‑foot Statue of Liberty and learn about America’s immigrant history on Ellis Island; tickets start at roughly $25, though the Staten Island Ferry is free for skyline views.
• American Museum of Natural History: Home to more than 32 million artifacts spread across 25 buildings and 45 exhibition halls; suggested admission is $30 and the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Chinatown: Wander through the largest Chinatown in the U.S. and explore stalls selling exotic foods alongside restaurants representing cuisines from across China and Hong Kong.
• Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Plaza: Ride elevators up to observation decks offering panoramic views (open 8 a.m.–midnight; last ascent 11:10 p.m.)—arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Brooklyn Bridge: Walk or cycle this 19th‑century suspension bridge early in the morning for stunning river and skyline views and to beat the crowds.

🍴 Food & Drink

New York’s culinary scene spans the globe. Sample a classic New York slice of pizza, bagels loaded with cream cheese and lox, smoky pastrami on rye, dim sum in Chinatown or world‑class ramen in East Village. Food halls like Chelsea Market and Smorgasburg showcase dozens of vendors in one place, while neighbourhood joints serve everything from soul food to Mediterranean mezze. Save room for dessert—cheesecake, black‑and‑white cookies and cronuts are just a few local treats.

🚇 Getting Around & Day Trips

The subway and bus network run by the MTA is the fastest and most cost‑effective way to get around—purchase a MetroCard or tap a contactless card for pay‑per‑ride. Taxis and ride‑shares are plentiful but can be pricey during rush hour. New York is a walking city, so pack comfortable shoes. Popular day trips include ferry rides to Staten Island or Governors Island, the beaches of Coney Island or heading north to the Hudson Valley.

💡 Quick Tips & FAQs

• Reserve attraction tickets in advance: Booking timed tickets for the Statue of Liberty and Top of the Rock ensures entry at your desired time.
• Use public transport from airports: Combine the AirTrain with the subway or rail to reach Manhattan cheaply.
• Visit in spring or autumn: April–June and September–November offer mild weather and smaller crowds; summers are hot and busy, winters cold with possible snow.

🔗 More Routes & Resources

Ready for more adventures? Explore our full list of route guides, read our flight booking tips and browse the travel blog for inspiration.