Compare: London→Dublin (463 km) vs London→Edinburgh (534 km). London → Dublin wins by 71 km (13%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.
By SnapDistance Team · Updated April 7, 2026
463 km
288 miles · Flight: ~1h 5min · Drive: ~7h 31min
✓ Shorter route
534 km
332 miles · Flight: ~1h 10min · Drive: ~8h 41min
Difference: 71 km (13%) · Flight time difference: ~5 min
London → Dublin is the shorter route at 463 km, which is 71 km (13%) shorter than London → Edinburgh. You would save approximately 5 min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.
| Metric | London → Dublin | London → Edinburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 463 | 534 |
| Distance (miles) | 288 | 332 |
| Flight time | ~1h 5min | ~1h 10min |
| Driving time | ~7h 31min | ~8h 41min |
| Road distance (est.) | ~602 km | ~694 km |
| Drivable? | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-continental | No | No |
The London to Dublin route covers 463 km (288 miles), staying within Europe. London (population: 8,982,000) is located in England, United Kingdom, while Dublin (population: 554,554) is in Leinster, Ireland.
The London to Edinburgh route covers 534 km (332 miles), remaining within Europe. London (population: 8,982,000) is in England, United Kingdom, and Edinburgh (population: 524,930) is in Scotland, United Kingdom.
Flying from London to Dublin takes approximately 1h 5min, while London to Edinburgh takes 1h 10min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 7h 31min for the first route and 8h 41min for the second.
Since both routes depart from London, this comparison is especially useful for travelers deciding between Dublin and Edinburgh as a destination.
The 71 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 602 km and 694 km respectively. For road trips, the shorter route saves roughly 92 km of driving.
Dublin (Ireland) has a population of 554,554 and is located in the Leinster region of Europe. It's a charming destination known for its regional character.
Edinburgh (United Kingdom) has a population of 524,930 and is situated in Scotland, Europe. This destination offers a more intimate travel experience with unique local culture.
Choose London → Dublin if minimizing travel distance and flight time is your priority. The 71 km difference means a modest saving in fuel, time, and potentially cost. Choose London → Edinburgh if the destination itself is more important than the journey length.
Dublin is closer at 463 km, which is 71 km (13%) shorter.
463 km (288 miles). Flight: ~1h 5min.
534 km (332 miles). Flight: ~1h 10min.
Flying to Dublin is faster at ~1h 5min, saving about 5 min compared to Edinburgh.
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.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.