London → Dubai vs London → New York: Which Is Closer?

Compare: London→Dubai (5,473 km) vs London→New York (5,570 km). London → Dubai wins by 97 km (2%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.

By SnapDistance Team · Updated April 7, 2026

London → Dubai

5,473 km

3,401 miles · Flight: ~7h 20min · Drive: ~88h 56min

✓ Shorter route

London → New York

5,570 km

3,461 miles · Flight: ~7h 28min · Drive: ~90h 31min

Difference: 97 km (2%) · Flight time difference: ~8 min

Quick Answer

London → Dubai is the shorter route at 5,473 km, which is 97 km (2%) shorter than London → New York. You would save approximately 8 min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric London → Dubai London → New York
Distance (km)5,4735,570
Distance (miles)3,4013,461
Flight time~7h 20min~7h 28min
Driving time~88h 56min~90h 31min
Road distance (est.)~7,115 km~7,241 km
Drivable?NoNo
Cross-continentalYesYes

Route Comparison Analysis

The London to Dubai route covers 5,473 km (3,401 miles), crossing from Europe to Asia. London (population: 8,982,000) is located in England, United Kingdom, while Dubai (population: 3,331,420) is in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The London to New York route covers 5,570 km (3,461 miles), spanning from Europe to North America. London (population: 8,982,000) is in England, United Kingdom, and New York (population: 8,336,817) is in Northeast, United States.

Travel Time Breakdown

Flying from London to Dubai takes approximately 7h 20min, while London to New York takes 7h 28min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 88h 56min for the first route and 90h 31min for the second.

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

Practical Considerations

The 97 km difference between these routes is relatively modest, so other factors like ticket prices and schedules may matter more.

Neither route is practical by car. Flying is the recommended transport for both.

Destination Overview

Dubai (United Arab Emirates) has a population of 3,331,420 and is located in the Dubai region of Asia. It's a significant city with good transport links and cultural offerings.

New York (United States) has a population of 8,336,817 and is situated in Northeast, North America. This major global city has multiple airports and world-class infrastructure.

When to Choose Each Route

Choose London → Dubai if minimizing travel distance and flight time is your priority. The 97 km difference means a modest saving in fuel, time, and potentially cost. Choose London → New York if the destination itself is more important than the journey length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is closer: Dubai or New York?

Dubai is closer at 5,473 km, which is 97 km (2%) shorter.

How far is London to Dubai?

5,473 km (3,401 miles). Flight: ~7h 20min.

How far is London to New York?

5,570 km (3,461 miles). Flight: ~7h 28min.

Is it faster to fly to Dubai or New York?

Flying to Dubai is faster at ~7h 20min, saving about 8 min compared to New York.

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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.