Copenhagen, Denmark → London, United Kingdom · ✈ 1h 42min · 🚗 15h 32min
516 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: southwest
The distance from Copenhagen to London is 956 km (594 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 42min.
The straight-line distance from Copenhagen, Denmark to London, United Kingdom is approximately 956 kilometers (594 miles or 516 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
London is located southwest of Copenhagen. Copenhagen is in Europe, in the Capital Region region of Denmark, while London is in Europe, in England, United Kingdom. Both cities are in Europe.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 956 km | ~1h 42min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,243 km | ~15h 32min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚄 High-Speed Train | ~1,099 km | ~3h 25min | Comfortable alternative to flying |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,147 km | ~9h 34min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Copenhagen to London. For 956 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,243 km, fuel costs for driving from Copenhagen to London are approximately $99–$186 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Copenhagen sits at 55.6761°N, 12.5683°E, while London is located at 51.5074°N, 0.1278°W. The initial compass bearing from Copenhagen to London is 246° (WSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Copenhagen heading roughly WSW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 4.17° and the longitude difference is 12.70°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Copenhagen and London is approximately 53.7595°N, 5.9057°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 478 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
London is roughly 1 hour behind Copenhagen. When it is 09:00 in Copenhagen, it is approximately 08:00 in London. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Copenhagen uses the Danish Krone (DKK), while London uses the Pound Sterling (GBP). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. The primary local language shifts from Danish in Copenhagen to English in London. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Copenhagen is a major city in Denmark with a population of approximately 794,128. Located in the Capital Region region, it is an important hub in Europe. Despite its smaller size, Copenhagen plays an important regional role in Denmark and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from Copenhagen
London is a notable city in United Kingdom with a population of approximately 8,982,000. Situated in the England region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. London is one of United Kingdom's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from London
956 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 956 km, the Copenhagen-London route is about 2.4% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 42min.
See how the Copenhagen to London distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Copenhagen to London is approximately 956 kilometers (594 miles, 516 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 42min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 15h 32min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
London is approximately -1h behind compared to Copenhagen.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,243 km, which is about 30% longer than the 956 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.