The distance from Dublin to London is 464 km (as the crow flies). Flying is the obvious choice for Dublin to London. With 50+ daily flights across multiple airlines (Ryanair, Aer Lingus, British Airways), it's one of Europe's busiest air routes. Aer Lingus to Heathrow offers the most convenient arrival in central London. Ryanair to Stansted is cheapest but Stansted is 90 minutes from central London by train. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for fares from €30.
| Mode | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Fly | 1h 20m (flight only) | €30–€200 | The standard choice — flying is essentially the only practical direct option |
| 🚌 Bus | 10h–12h (bus + ferry) | €25–€50 | Budget travelers who can't find cheap flights |
| 🚗 Drive | 9h–11h (including ferry) | €150–€250 (fuel + ferry) | Only if you need your car in the UK for onward travel |
The best option depends on your priorities — read the detailed breakdown below.
Duration: 1h 20m (flight only) | Cost: €30–€200
Duration: 10h–12h (bus + ferry) | Cost: €25–€50
Duration: 9h–11h (including ferry) | Cost: €150–€250 (fuel + ferry)
Flying is the obvious choice for Dublin to London. With 50+ daily flights across multiple airlines (Ryanair, Aer Lingus, British Airways), it's one of Europe's busiest air routes. Aer Lingus to Heathrow offers the most convenient arrival in central London. Ryanair to Stansted is cheapest but Stansted is 90 minutes from central London by train. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for fares from €30.
Dublin and London share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, and the air bridge between them is one of the busiest in the world. The Irish Sea makes land travel impractical for most purposes, so flying is the default — and fortunately, intense competition keeps fares very reasonable year-round.
Your choice of London airport matters more than your choice of airline on this route. Heathrow (served by Aer Lingus and BA) puts you on the Tube network, 45 minutes from central London. Gatwick (Aer Lingus, BA) has the Gatwick Express to Victoria in 30 minutes. Stansted (Ryanair) and Luton (Ryanair, Wizz Air) are further out — budget an extra hour and £15–£20 for the transfer.
For a more adventurous journey, the Dublin–Holyhead ferry is a classic crossing. Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate fast ferries (2 hours) and conventional ferries (3.5 hours). From Holyhead, the train along the beautiful North Wales coast to London Euston takes about 4 hours. It's a full-day journey but a memorable one, especially if you've never crossed the Irish Sea by boat.
Heathrow or Gatwick for convenience (both well-connected to central London). Stansted and Luton are cheaper but much further out. Aer Lingus at Heathrow Terminal 2 is the most seamless option.
Technically, under the Common Travel Area, Irish and UK citizens can travel with a national ID. However, airlines may require a passport for boarding, and non-CTA citizens definitely need a passport. Best to carry one.
No direct train exists. The closest option is a bus or car to the ferry port, then ferry to Holyhead, then train to London. It takes 8–10 hours total. Flying is far more practical.
4–6 weeks is the sweet spot for the best fares. Booking 2–3 months ahead can also yield deals. Last-minute fares on this route can be surprisingly reasonable due to the high frequency of flights.
Country-by-country driving requirements, packing list, and emergency contacts — all in one PDF.
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