London → Amsterdam vs London → Brussels: Which Is Closer?

Compare: London→Amsterdam (358 km) vs London→Brussels (321 km). London → Brussels wins by 37 km (10%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.

By SnapDistance Team · Updated April 7, 2026

London → Amsterdam

358 km

222 miles · Flight: ~57 min · Drive: ~5h 49min

London → Brussels

321 km

199 miles · Flight: ~54 min · Drive: ~5h 13min

✓ Shorter route

Difference: 37 km (10%) · Flight time difference: ~3 min

Quick Answer

London → Brussels is the shorter route at 321 km, which is 37 km (10%) shorter than London → Amsterdam. You would save approximately 3 min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric London → Amsterdam London → Brussels
Distance (km)358321
Distance (miles)222199
Flight time~57 min~54 min
Driving time~5h 49min~5h 13min
Road distance (est.)~465 km~417 km
Drivable?YesYes
Cross-continentalNoNo

Route Comparison Analysis

The London to Amsterdam route covers 358 km (222 miles), staying within Europe. London (population: 8,982,000) is located in England, United Kingdom, while Amsterdam (population: 872,680) is in North Holland, Netherlands.

The London to Brussels route covers 321 km (199 miles), remaining within Europe. London (population: 8,982,000) is in England, United Kingdom, and Brussels (population: 1,209,000) is in Brussels-Capital, Belgium.

Travel Time Breakdown

Flying from London to Amsterdam takes approximately 57 min, while London to Brussels takes 54 min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 5h 49min for the first route and 5h 13min for the second.

Since both routes depart from London, this comparison is especially useful for travelers deciding between Amsterdam and Brussels as a destination.

Practical Considerations

The 37 km difference between these routes is relatively modest, so other factors like ticket prices and schedules may matter more.

Both routes are drivable, with road distances of approximately 465 km and 417 km respectively. For road trips, the shorter route saves roughly 48 km of driving.

Destination Overview

Amsterdam (Netherlands) has a population of 872,680 and is located in the North Holland region of Europe. It's a charming destination known for its regional character.

Brussels (Belgium) has a population of 1,209,000 and is situated in Brussels-Capital, Europe. This city serves as an important regional hub with solid connectivity.

When to Choose Each Route

Choose London → Brussels if minimizing travel distance and flight time is your priority. The 37 km difference means a modest saving in fuel, time, and potentially cost. Choose London → Amsterdam if the destination itself is more important than the journey length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is closer: Amsterdam or Brussels?

Brussels is closer at 321 km, which is 37 km (10%) shorter.

How far is London to Amsterdam?

358 km (222 miles). Flight: ~57 min.

How far is London to Brussels?

321 km (199 miles). Flight: ~54 min.

Is it faster to fly to Amsterdam or Brussels?

Flying to Brussels is faster at ~54 min, saving about 3 min compared to Amsterdam.

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How We Calculate Distance

All distances on SnapDistance are calculated using the Haversine formula, which determines the great-circle distance between two points on Earth's surface. This gives the shortest possible distance over the globe, which is the measurement used for aviation and navigation. Actual travel distances by road or rail are typically 20-40% longer due to terrain, borders, and infrastructure routing. Flight times assume 800 km/h cruising speed with 30 minutes for takeoff and landing. Driving estimates use 80 km/h average speed with a 30% road distance factor.

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📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.