Lisbon, Portugal → London, United Kingdom · ✈ 2h 29min · 🚗 25h 45min
856 nautical miles · Time difference: +1h ahead · Direction: northeast
The distance from Lisbon to London is 1,585 km (985 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h 29min.
The straight-line distance from Lisbon, Portugal to London, United Kingdom is approximately 1,585 kilometers (985 miles or 856 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 northeast of Lisbon. Lisbon is in Europe, in the Lisbon region of Portugal, while London is in Europe, in England, United Kingdom. Both cities are in Europe.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,585 km | ~2h 29min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~2,061 km | ~25h 45min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,902 km | ~15h 51min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Lisbon to London. For 1,585 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 2,061 km, fuel costs for driving from Lisbon to London are approximately $165–$309 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.
Lisbon sits at 38.7223°N, 9.1393°W, while London is located at 51.5074°N, 0.1278°W. The initial compass bearing from Lisbon to London is 23° (NNE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Lisbon heading roughly NNE. 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 12.79° and the longitude difference is 9.01°. 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 Lisbon and London is approximately 45.2024°N, 5.1414°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 793 km from each city. On long-haul flights this point usually falls over open ocean or remote terrain, which is why in-flight maps often look "empty" mid-route.
London is roughly 1 hour ahead of Lisbon. When it is 09:00 in Lisbon, it is approximately 10:00 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.
Lisbon uses the Euro (EUR), 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 Portuguese in Lisbon to English in London. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
Lisbon is a major city in Portugal with a population of approximately 544,851. Located in the Lisbon region, it is an important hub in Europe. Despite its smaller size, Lisbon plays an important regional role in Portugal and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from Lisbon
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
1,585 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
The 1,585 km between Lisbon and London means a beam of light could travel this distance in approximately 5.3 milliseconds — but a flight still takes 2h 29min.
See how the Lisbon to London distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Lisbon to London is approximately 1,585 kilometers (985 miles, 856 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h 29min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 25h 45min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
London is approximately +1h ahead compared to Lisbon.
The estimated road distance is approximately 2,061 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,585 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.