London, United Kingdom → Lisbon, Portugal · ✈ 2h 29min · 🚗 25h 45min
856 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: southwest
The distance from London to Lisbon 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 London, United Kingdom to Lisbon, Portugal 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.
Lisbon is located southwest of London. London is in Europe, in the England region of United Kingdom, while Lisbon is in Europe, in Lisbon, Portugal. 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 London to Lisbon. 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 London to Lisbon 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.
London sits at 51.5074°N, 0.1278°W, while Lisbon is located at 38.7223°N, 9.1393°W. The initial compass bearing from London to Lisbon is 210° (SSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves London heading roughly SSW. 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 London and Lisbon 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.
Lisbon is roughly 1 hour behind London. When it is 09:00 in London, it is approximately 08:00 in Lisbon. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
London uses the Pound Sterling (GBP), while Lisbon uses the Euro (EUR). 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 English in London to Portuguese in Lisbon. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
London is a major city in United Kingdom with a population of approximately 8,982,000. Located in the England region, it is an important hub in Europe. As one of the largest cities in United Kingdom, London is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from London
Lisbon is a notable city in Portugal with a population of approximately 544,851. Situated in the Lisbon region, it serves as a key destination in Europe. Lisbon is a popular destination in the Lisbon region of Portugal, known for its unique character and attractions.
→ See all distances from Lisbon
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 London and Lisbon means a beam of light could travel this distance in approximately 5.3 milliseconds — but a flight still takes 2h 29min.
See how the London to Lisbon distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from London to Lisbon 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.
Lisbon is approximately -1h behind compared to London.
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.