Wondering about the distance between London and Toronto? Here’s the quick answer for both Londons—London in the United Kingdom and London in Ontario, Canada. We’ll cover flight distance and times, driving distance, realistic door‑to‑door estimates, and easy transport tips so you can plan without surprises. ✈️🚗
Quick answer: distances at a glance
London, UK ↔ Toronto
- Air distance (great‑circle): about 5,700 km (≈3,550 miles).
- Nonstop flight time: westbound 7.5–8.5 hours; eastbound 6.5–7.5 hours (jet stream helps eastbound).
- Time difference: Toronto is usually 5 hours behind; for a few weeks in spring/autumn it can be 4 hours due to different daylight‑saving dates.
London, Ontario ↔ Toronto
- Driving distance: about 195–200 km (≈120–125 miles) via Highway 401.
- Typical drive time: 2–2.5 hours, longer in rush hour or bad weather.
- Other options: intercity train or bus, often 2–3 hours city‑center to city‑center. 🚆🚌
London (UK) to Toronto: distance, flight time, and time zones
The straight‑line distance between London (most flights depart Heathrow or Gatwick) and Toronto (Pearson) is roughly 5,700 km / 3,550 miles. Nonstop flights typically take 7.5–8.5 hours westbound to Toronto and 6.5–7.5 hours eastbound back to London, thanks to prevailing winds over the North Atlantic.
Time‑zone wise, Toronto is generally 5 hours behind London. During a few weeks each year—after North America changes clocks in March and before the UK does, and again when the UK changes back in late October before North America—the gap briefly narrows to 4 hours. If tight connections or calls matter, double‑check the offset for your exact dates. ⏰
Nonstop vs. connecting flights and airports
You’ll find frequent nonstop services most of the year between the two cities, primarily using London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ). Billy Bishop (YTZ) in downtown Toronto handles short‑haul flights, so transatlantic services land at Pearson.
Tip: If your dates are fixed, nonstop flights minimize risk of missed connections. If you’re flexible, a one‑stop itinerary can sometimes save money—watch total travel time and layover buffers.
How long does it really take door to door?
- City center (London) → Airport: 45–90 minutes depending on the airport and time of day.
- Check‑in/security: plan 2.5–3 hours for transatlantic departures.
- Flight: 7–9 hours westbound, 6–8 eastbound.
- Arrival (Toronto): immigration, baggage, customs 30–90 minutes; then 30–60 minutes to downtown by train, taxi, or rideshare.
Realistic door‑to‑door: 12–15 hours London→Toronto, and 11–14 hours Toronto→London, depending on queues and traffic. 🧳
London (Ontario) to Toronto: distance, drive times, and transport
For travel within Ontario, the distance is much shorter: about 195–200 km (120–125 miles) via the 401. On a clear day outside peak times, you’ll often do it in around 2 hours. In weekday rush hour, heavy construction, lake‑effect snow, or long weekends, budget 2.5–3+ hours.
Driving tips for the 401
- Peak traffic: Avoid weekday 7–9 a.m. and 4–6:30 p.m. near the GTA.
- Winter readiness: Snow squalls off Lake Huron can slow things dramatically—keep fuel topped and pack a warm layer. ❄️
- Toll alternative: The 407 ETR can bypass some congestion east of Mississauga (electronic toll road; charges apply).
- Break stops: ONroute service plazas every ~80–100 km for fuel, food, and restrooms.
Train and bus options
Prefer to skip the drive? Intercity trains and buses connect London, Ontario with downtown Toronto. Express services can be close to 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours depending on schedule and intermediate stops. Trains deliver you to central stations—handy if you’re staying downtown or connecting to local transit. 🚆
Travel time factors that change your plan
- Winds and routing: Transatlantic flight times vary with the jet stream; winter eastbounds can fly “downhill” with strong tailwinds. 💨
- Airport queues: Holidays, Mondays, and early mornings can mean longer security and immigration waits.
- Weather: Summer thunderstorms (Toronto) and winter storms (both regions) can add delays.
- Traffic patterns: The 401 is one of North America’s busiest highways; weekend getaways and long weekends slow things down.
Key takeaways for travelers
- London, UK ↔ Toronto is about 5,700 km / 3,550 miles; nonstop flights are common and take ~7–9 hours.
- London, Ontario ↔ Toronto is ~195–200 km by road; plan 2–2.5 hours in normal conditions.
- Toronto is usually 5 hours behind London (UK); watch for brief 4‑hour gaps around daylight‑saving changes.
- Door‑to‑door transatlantic travel often totals 12–15 hours including airport time.
- Build buffer time for weather, traffic, and queues—especially on holidays and weekends. ✅
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up the two Londons: Check whether you mean the UK or Ontario before booking.
- Underestimating airport time: For transatlantic flights, arrive early; don’t bank on a 60‑minute check‑in.
- Ignoring rush hour: A 2‑hour 401 drive can stretch past 3 hours at peak times.
- Not checking the time difference: A 5‑hour gap can affect hotel check‑ins and meeting times.
FAQs
How far is London, UK from Toronto by flight, and how long does it take?
The air distance is roughly 5,700 km (3,550 miles). Nonstop flights typically take 7.5–8.5 hours westbound to Toronto and 6.5–7.5 hours eastbound back to London.
How far is London, Ontario from Toronto by car?
About 195–200 km (120–125 miles) via Highway 401. Expect 2–2.5 hours in normal traffic; add time for rush hour, construction, or winter weather.
Can you drive from London, UK to Toronto?
No—there’s an ocean in the way! You’ll need to fly (or take a ship). For most travelers, a nonstop flight is the fastest and simplest option. 🚢✈️
What’s the time difference between London, UK and Toronto?
Toronto is usually 5 hours behind London. For a few weeks around daylight‑saving changes in March and late October/early November, the difference can be 4 hours.
Is it faster to fly into Toronto Pearson or Billy Bishop when coming from London, UK?
Transatlantic flights land at Toronto Pearson (YYZ). Billy Bishop (YTZ) serves short‑haul regional flights, not long‑haul international services.
How much door‑to‑door time should I budget from central London, UK to downtown Toronto?
Plan on 12–15 hours total: airport transfer (45–90 minutes), check‑in/security (2.5–3 hours), flight (7–9 hours), and arrival formalities plus transfer to the city (1–2 hours).
Is the train from London, Ontario to Toronto quicker than driving?
Often similar. Express trains can do it in about 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours downtown‑to‑downtown, which beats driving during heavy traffic and saves parking hassles.
Conclusion
In short, London and Toronto can be a quick hop or a proper long‑haul—depending on which London you mean. ✈️ From the UK, think ~5,700 km and 7–9 hours in the air. From Ontario, it’s a ~200 km dash along the 401. Plan smart, add a little buffer, and you’ll arrive relaxed and ready to explore. 🌍