Oslo → London vs Oslo → Berlin: Which Is Closer?

Compare: Oslo→London (1,154 km) vs Oslo→Berlin (838 km). Oslo → Berlin wins by 316 km (27%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.

By SnapDistance Team · Updated May 30, 2026

Oslo → London

1,154 km

717 miles · Flight: ~1h 57min · Drive: ~18h 45min

Oslo → Berlin

838 km

521 miles · Flight: ~1h 33min · Drive: ~13h 37min

✓ Shorter route

Difference: 316 km (27%) · Flight time difference: ~24 min

Verdict

Oslo → Berlin is the smarter pick if travel time and emissions matter most: it is 316 km (27%) shorter, saves about 24 min of flight time, and cuts roughly 80 kg of CO₂ per passenger. Choose Oslo → London only if the destination itself is the reason for the trip.

Quick Answer

Oslo → Berlin is the shorter route at 838 km, which is 316 km (27%) shorter than Oslo → London. You would save approximately 24 min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric Oslo → London Oslo → Berlin
Distance (km)1,154838
Distance (miles)717521
Flight time~1h 57min~1h 33min
Driving time~18h 45min~13h 37min
Road distance (est.)~1,500 km~1,089 km
Drivable?YesYes
Cross-continentalNoNo
Initial bearing221° (SW)168° (SSE)
Time-zone shift-1hNone
CO₂ – flight (per pax)~294 kg~214 kg
CO₂ – driving (per car)~257 kg~186 kg
Fuel cost (est.)~$150 USD~$109 USD

Carbon Footprint Comparison

Flying from Oslo to London produces roughly 294 kg of CO₂ per passenger, based on the ICAO/EEA short-haul emission factor of ~0.255 kg per passenger-km. The Oslo → Berlin flight emits about 214 kg. Choosing the shorter route saves approximately 80 kg of CO₂ per traveler — equivalent to 4 typical tree-years of carbon sequestration. For comparison, driving emits roughly 257 kg and 186 kg per car respectively — meaningful only when the car carries multiple passengers.

Route Comparison Analysis

The Oslo to London route covers 1,154 km (717 miles), staying within Europe. Oslo (population: 697,549) is located in Eastern Norway, Norway, while London (population: 8,982,000) is in England, United Kingdom.

The Oslo to Berlin route covers 838 km (521 miles), remaining within Europe. Oslo (population: 697,549) is in Eastern Norway, Norway, and Berlin (population: 3,644,826) is in Brandenburg, Germany.

Travel Time Breakdown

Flying from Oslo to London takes approximately 1h 57min, while Oslo to Berlin takes 1h 33min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 18h 45min for the first route and 13h 37min for the second.

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

Practical Considerations

The 316 km difference between these routes is noticeable in both travel time and fuel or ticket costs.

Both routes are drivable, with road distances of approximately 1,500 km and 1,089 km respectively. For road trips, the shorter route saves roughly 411 km of driving.

Destination Overview

London (United Kingdom) has a population of 8,982,000 and is located in the England region of Europe. As a major metropolis, it offers extensive international connections and diverse attractions.

Berlin (Germany) has a population of 3,644,826 and is situated in Brandenburg, Europe. This city serves as an important regional hub with solid connectivity.

When to Choose Each Route

Pick Oslo → London when…

Choose this route if your priority is reaching London (United Kingdom) — a city of 8,982,000 in the England region of Europe. Despite being the longer of the two at 1,154 km, it makes sense when London itself is the destination, the schedule fits better, or ticket prices are noticeably lower. Driving is realistic at this distance, with an estimated 1,500 km of road and a fuel cost band around $150 USD. The initial bearing is 221° (SW), so a great-circle flight leaves Oslo heading roughly SW.

Pick Oslo → Berlin when…

This route is the right call if you are heading to Berlin (Germany) — a city of 3,644,826 in the Brandenburg region of Europe. It is also the shorter of the two at 838 km, saving about 24 min of flying and around 80 kg of CO₂ per passenger. Driving is feasible — expect roughly 1,089 km of road and a fuel cost in the $109 USD range. Departing Oslo, the great-circle bearing toward Berlin is 168° (SSE).

Bearings, Time Zones & Geography

Oslo (59.91°, 10.75°) and London (51.51°, -0.13°) sit with a time-zone shift of -1 hour. Oslo (59.91°, 10.75°) and Berlin (52.52°, 13.40°) share an approximate time zone. Both routes have manageable time-zone shifts, so jet lag should not be a major factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is closer: London or Berlin?

Berlin is closer at 838 km, which is 316 km (27%) shorter.

How far is Oslo to London?

1,154 km (717 miles). Flight: ~1h 57min.

How far is Oslo to Berlin?

838 km (521 miles). Flight: ~1h 33min.

Is it faster to fly to London or Berlin?

Flying to Berlin is faster at ~1h 33min, saving about 24 min compared to London.

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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: May 30, 2026.