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

Compare: London→Paris (344 km) vs London→Amsterdam (358 km). London → Paris wins by 14 km (4%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.

By SnapDistance Team · Updated April 7, 2026

London → Paris

344 km

214 miles · Flight: ~56 min · Drive: ~5h 35min

✓ Shorter route

London → Amsterdam

358 km

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

Difference: 14 km (4%) · Flight time difference: ~1 min

Quick Answer

London → Paris is the shorter route at 344 km, which is 14 km (4%) shorter than London → Amsterdam. You would save approximately 1 min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric London → Paris London → Amsterdam
Distance (km)344358
Distance (miles)214222
Flight time~56 min~57 min
Driving time~5h 35min~5h 49min
Road distance (est.)~447 km~465 km
Drivable?YesYes
Cross-continentalNoNo

Route Comparison Analysis

The London to Paris route covers 344 km (214 miles), staying within Europe. London (population: 8,982,000) is located in England, United Kingdom, while Paris (population: 2,161,000) is in Île-de-France, France.

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

Travel Time Breakdown

Flying from London to Paris takes approximately 56 min, while London to Amsterdam takes 57 min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 5h 35min for the first route and 5h 49min for the second.

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

Practical Considerations

The 14 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 447 km and 465 km respectively. For road trips, the shorter route saves roughly 18 km of driving.

Destination Overview

Paris (France) has a population of 2,161,000 and is located in the Île-de-France region of Europe. It's a significant city with good transport links and cultural offerings.

Amsterdam (Netherlands) has a population of 872,680 and is situated in North Holland, Europe. This destination offers a more intimate travel experience with unique local culture.

When to Choose Each Route

Choose London → Paris if minimizing travel distance and flight time is your priority. The 14 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: Paris or Amsterdam?

Paris is closer at 344 km, which is 14 km (4%) shorter.

How far is London to Paris?

344 km (214 miles). Flight: ~56 min.

How far is London to Amsterdam?

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

Is it faster to fly to Paris or Amsterdam?

Flying to Paris is faster at ~56 min, saving about 1 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.