How long is the flight from London to New York?
The great-circle distance between London and New York is 5,530 km (2,986 nautical miles). By private jet the flight takes between 7h 02m and 14h 52m block time depending on the aircraft class. For most travellers a Heavy jet fits: it covers the route nonstop in about 7h 25m.
- Light jet: 11h 19m (with 2 fuel stops)
- Midsize jet: 9h 22m (with one fuel stop)
- Super midsize jet: 8h 55m (with one fuel stop)
- Heavy jet: 7h 25m (nonstop)
- Ultra long range jet: 7h 02m (nonstop)
Empty legs and aircraft on the London – New York route
Over the last 18 months we recorded 3 empty legs from London to New York. The most frequent aircraft were Gulfstream G450 and Gulfstream GIV-SP. Most flights operate from (EGLF) to (KTEB).
Range and fuel stops
Not every jet can fly every route nonstop. With reserves, light jets reach about 2,800 km, super midsize jets around 5,500 km and ultra long range jets more than 11,000 km. If the destination is further away, the operator plans a fuel stop of roughly 45 minutes.
For transatlantic flights or routes to Asia the larger class often pays off: it costs more per hour but saves stops and therefore time.
- Turboprop / PC-12: up to approx. 2,200–2,800 km
- Light jet: up to approx. 2,800 km
- Midsize jet: up to approx. 3,700 km
- Super midsize jet: up to approx. 5,500 km
- Heavy jet: up to approx. 7,000 km
- Ultra long range: 11,000 km and more
Calculating the distance between airports
We calculate distance as the great-circle distance — the shortest path over the globe — and also show it in nautical miles, the standard unit in aviation. Because aircraft follow airways and approach procedures, the distance actually flown is slightly longer; the flight time already includes this.
How we calculate
- Distance: great-circle calculation from both airports’ coordinates, plus 5% for airways and approach procedures.
- Flight time: distance flown divided by the class’s typical cruise speed, plus 15 minutes for climb and descent and 10 minutes of taxi per take-off and landing.
- Fuel stops: added once the route exceeds practical range with reserves, 45 minutes on the ground per stop.
- Wind is not included. Strong headwinds (typically westbound across the Atlantic) can add 10–15% to flight time; tailwinds shorten it.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a private jet flight from London to New York take?
About 7h 25m in a Heavy jet and 7h 02m in the fastest jet (Ultra long range jet). Wind and air traffic control can change this by a few minutes.
How far is it from London to New York?
The great-circle distance is 5,530 km or 2,986 nautical miles. The distance flown is about 5% longer because of airways.
Can a light jet fly London – New York nonstop?
No, a light jet would need 2 fuel stops and about 11h 19m in total. Nonstop flights start with a Heavy jet (7h 25m).
How much is a private jet from London to New York?
A one-way charter in a Heavy jet costs roughly €85,100 to €165,200 for the whole aircraft. Empty legs on this route recently had a median price of €60,600.