Travel to London

Traveling to London: Everything You Need to Know

Flights to London

London is home to a number of major airports including Heathrow, located 27 km to the southwest of central London, Gatwick, 47 km south, Stansted, 60 km north east, London City Airport, 10 km east and London Luton 60 km north of the city. London is a major hub with most international and budget European carriers serving the city, including British Airways, United, Emirates, Ryanair and Easyjet. Those arriving at Heathrow can travel to London centre via underground or overground on the Heathrow Express. Those arriving at Stansted or Gatwick can also choose from a range of coach and train express services to central London.

Trains to London

Travel to London via train is easy from anywhere in the UK as well as from Europe. Trains from Europe via the Eurostar arrive at London Pancras Intentional which is located in north central London. From UK locations, trains arrive at major hubs found within central London including Kings Cross to the north, Waterloo to the south, Liverpool Street to the east and Paddington to the west. Trains from most major UK train companies operate in and out of London including Great Western, Northern, Great Southern and Virgin. All major train terminals are connected to London's extensive underground tube system.

Buses to London

Bus travel to London centre is easy from anywhere in the city, the UK or even from Europe via France. Coaches operated by National Express or Eurolines arrive in London Victoria, a major terminus found to the southeast of the city. London Buses are operated by Transport for London and run 24 hours a day.

How to Travel to London?

The journey from Amsterdam to London is a favorite for business travelers and leisure travelers looking to have a good time. Although the two cities are about 224 miles (360 km) apart, the type of transportation you select will get you to your destination from anywhere between 1-5h.

Generally, a flight trip will fall on the lower end of the spectrum, while a train ride will be on the other end. Flight and train travel to London from Amsterdam are present every day. London is a popular destination for travelers due to its fame as one of the greatest cosmopolitan cities due to its vibrant culture, fine food, and popular sites like Buckingham Palace and the British Museum.

What is the Cheapest Way To Get from Amsterdam to London?

A train ride is the cheapest way to get from Amsterdam to London. Trains journeying this route usually depart from Amsterdam Centraal and end the trip at London St Pancras International. The travel time from Amsterdam to London by train lasts at a minimum of 4h 16min.

You'll find this voyage to be direct; hence there'll be no stops or transferring trains. Eurostar is the train operator that connects people looking to travel the Amsterdam-London route, and it usually runs one trip per day. Therefore, it'll be best to get to the train station an hour before 12.47 p.m.

when the first and last train of the day departs. Also, if you're on a budget, you can find cheap tickets from Amsterdam to London by booking in advance when tickets go on sale and being flexible with your travel dates by selecting days with less train passenger traffic.

What is the Fastest Way to Travel from Amsterdam to London?

You'll encounter the least travel time from Amsterdam to London if you choose to fly. The origin airport for flights on this route is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), while the arrival airport can be London Heathrow Airport (LHR) or London City Airport (LCY).

While connecting flights make long trips, their direct counterparts will get you to your destination in the fastest time possible, that is, about 1h 20min. That's because layover times can take anywhere from 1-7h, so the lower the transfer time, the shorter the trip for connecting flights.

There are about 10 daily flights from Amsterdam to London, most of which are direct connections. British Airways and KLM are the airlines that run the direct voyages, while Lufthansa services the transfer routes.

London Bus Trafic. Source: Shutterstock

Find the best tickets from Amsterdam to London and book with Omio

Omio is a booking platform that'll let you find the best travel deals to reach London from Amsterdam. You can compare various transportation modes and book the one that best suits you, whether it's the fastest option or the cheapest one.

The platform offers travel information for many companies, hence finding the right trip for you won't be a hustle. When you book with Omio, you can scan all the transportation information at a glance and use your language of choice to book or get customer care services. This route also comprises trips with mobile tickets, so you won't need to print out your ticket. Check out Omio magazine for more helpful travel tips.

Trains from Amsterdam to London

Getting from Amsterdam to London by train is a popular journey. Leisure travelers will get the opportunity to see scenic landscapes up close en route, while business persons get to enjoy free Wi-Fi and ample working space.

Taking the train will also get you to London's city center, eliminating the need to incur extra travel costs to the central business district. For this route, Eurostar will be your transportation company. The carrier usually offers a single daily trip between Amsterdam and London, including on weekends. Your departing and arrival train stations will be Amsterdam Centraal and London St Pancras International. When you get to your destination, you'll be right at the city center and in proximity to public transportation.

Train travel from Amsterdam to London with Eurostar

When you travel from Amsterdam to London aboard a Eurostar train, you’ll depart from Amsterdam Centraal and arrive at London St Pancras International. The train carrier runs non-transfer voyages, and classes of service include business premier (premium first-class), first, and standard class.

You'll get to enjoy onboard entertainment like movies and free Wi-Fi access on your electronic device. One thing that stands out is Eurostar's speed of service that involves shorter check-in times, quicker boarding, and high punctuality, so you can expect to get to your destination on schedule.

London Enjoying Friends. Source: Shutterstock

Flights from Amsterdam to London

If you want to travel from Amsterdam to London in a short time, a flight will come in handy. Airlines running this route offer a collective of around 10 daily flights each day, with options of direct connections and connecting flights. British Airways and KLM service direct flights, with an average of 1h 20min travel time from Amsterdam to London.

On the other hand, Lufthansa flights require one change at Frankfurt, with layovers lasting anywhere between 1-7h. The popular departure airport for this voyage is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), while the common destination is London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

LHR Airport lies 14 miles (23 km) west from Central London, a distance you can easily cover by public transportation such as the Heathrow Express train (fastest in 15-20min), Tube system, the N9 night bus, taxi, or easyBus and National Express coaches.

Flying from Amsterdam to London with KLM and Lufthansa

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offers direct voyages between Amsterdam and London. The airline normally uses Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) as the origin airport, but the endpoint can be London Heathrow Airport (LHR) or London City Airport (LCY).

You can select between business class and economy cabins, and onboard services include reclining seats, in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi connectivity, and catering. The travel time aboard KLM for this route is approximately 1h 30min. Lufthansa flights from Amsterdam to London embark from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and end the journey at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

When choosing to fly with the airline, expect to make one flight change at Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) with switches lasting from about 1-7h and the total travel time averaging between 3-10h. Lufthansa offers first, business, premium economy, and economy class cabins. You can access onboard resources such as armrests, power outlets, meals, and in-flight entertainment.

To London by train/flight—travel tips

London is a destination that's on the bucket list of many people, with good reason. The city has multiple famous sights that are breathtaking to look at, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London to the London Eye—the list is endless. England's capital also has world-class shopping establishments that'll appeal to an avid shopper.

Carnaby Street has beautiful boutiques, while the prices at Knightsbridge are bound to stun you. History buffs will find this destination interesting, as the city's story is a long and dramatic one. When you travel to London, you can tour the London Dungeon and experience a "scary" history lesson or visit the Hampton Court Palace and bask in the royalty splendor amid your historical tour.

The nightlife in London is another appealing factor. Thanks to the various pubs, dive bars, clubs, and theatres full of Hollywood stars, any night owl won't lack something to do. Even if you aren't a night person, an evening show such as a live concert or a stand-up comedy will be a great experience. When it comes to food, your taste buds will thank you after sampling London's culinary delight that mixes modern and British cuisine, whether it's English breakfast, pie, chicken tikka masala, or roast duck.

Free things to do in London

Walking Around in London

One of the world's largest capitals, London, can be a daunting prospect for a complete exploration on foot, even for the fittest visitor. The city is broken down into distinctive districts, which are central areas rich in sightseeing potential. An ideal starting point would be the capital's oldest quarter, the City of London, where the original  Roman and medieval lanes can still be discovered in the heart of one of the world's great financial districts. Striking examples of innovative 21st century architecture, like the Shard, dominate a skyline once ruled by the Tower of London, the capital's medieval castle still guarded by Beefeaters in their heraldic uniforms. Alternative walks include a Thames stroll, encompassing the South Bank and the contrasting theaters of Shakespeare's Globe, with its beams and thatched roof, and the National, a classic example of 1970s brutalist design. On the other side of the river, the Palace of Westminster and Whitehall offer the chance to see the buildings at the heart of the British government. The gondolas of the London Eye on the South Bank provide panoramic views over the city - the ideal vantage point for planning the location of your next London walk.  

Coffee Shops in London

London's coffee culture has long been supported by leading coffee roasters such as Square Mile and Workshop Coffee. Over time, more roasters including Dark Arts and Alchemy have emerged to help anchor this growing trend, especially with the emergence of numerous third-wave coffee shops in the city. Modern coffee shops such as the Alchemy, Store Street Espresso and Iris & June in London have fast and free WiFi that is accessible to customers. The coffee shops double up as a great place to work from for customers. The Alchemy is a favorite among Londoners for its delicious flat whites and cold brew coffee. Coffee lovers who make their way to Iris & June should try their Sandows Cold Brew and expansive lunch menu. Store Street Espresso is famed for its friendly and efficient staff, unique décor, sandwiches and toasted banana bread. With its location inside St. Mary Aldermary church, the Host coffee shop stands out from all others. It has the perfect ambiance and it's conveniently located at the heart of the city. A stop at the 130 year old Algerian Coffee Stores in Soho is a must-do for their legendary caffeine fix!

Eating in London

London's restaurant scene is diverse, with casual dining chains, curry houses, sustainable eateries where seasonality is king, farmer's markets, gastropubs, and upscale options that include 67 Michelin-starred standouts. And there should be great food at almost any price point. If visitors want a classically English meal, fish and chips is a great starting point, and there are a few pie and mash shops dotted across the capital as well. But London is a place where culinary change is constant, so the dishes on offer will always be in flux. Street food is increasingly popular, with venues like Camden Market, the South Bank, and Borough Market offering global cuisines. And London is also Happy Cow's number one vegan dining city in the world. So if visitors are keen to find vegan pizzas or meatless sushi, they are in the right place. Even so, carnivores won't feel neglected. From bulky Argentine steaks to gourmet hot dogs, London's chefs work wonders with meat. Overall, the UK capital is a meeting point for global styles, a place where visitors can find almost anything edible, cooked to a very high standard. Whether they want scorching curries or veggie feasts, travelers rarely leave disappointed with the capital's cuisine.

Public Transport in London

The world's oldest underground railway, the London Underground or popularly known as the Tube, is still the easiest way of getting around central London. There are 11 different lines on the 250 mile network, each with a name and color code. First-time visitors may be a little baffled about how to negotiate the complex network, but the classic schematic color map of the Underground is fairly simple. It offers a quick guide to routes, stations and where to change trains. The system is divided into zones, with ticket prices adjusted for distance traveled. Most central locations are within zones 1 and 2. Londoners tend to use prepaid Oyster cards, which are simply tapped to the barrier gates at stations for entry. Visitors can buy these or individual tickets, and can use contactless credit and debit cards at the same barriers. London transport is integrated, so Oyster cards can also be used on the famous red London buses. Thanks to London traffic, buses are slower than the Tube, but arrive frequently, are perfect for sightseeing, and also include night services which run after the Underground has stopped. For exhilarating, fast transport in central London, River Buses are fast ferries offering connections along the Thames between Putney and Woolwich.

Best Time to Visit London

The city of London welcomes millions of tourists each year, and the majority of people will visit in the warm summer months or in late spring. There are plenty of outdoor events taking place in London during the summer such as London Pride or the Notting Hill Carnival. Fans of the British Royal Family should time their visit to the summer for a high chance of seeing the royals at the Trooping the Colour which celebrates the Queen's birthday. The summer temperatures in London are moderate so bring a jacket for the evenings and an umbrella for the occasional rain shower. Christmas is also a good time to visit London as the whole city is filled with festive lights and Christmas markets. Fans of Harry Potter can visit Hogwarts in the snow at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Get into the festive spirit at the famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Those wanting to avoid the crowds may want to visit between September and November. The temperatures are cooler and visitors will need to bring layers of clothing to keep warm. September is London's Fashion Week which brings top designers from around the world to the city.