How to think about this route
London to Toronto is an eight-hour-class long-haul into YYZ. Non-stops and one-stops both appear. The useful ticket leaves daylight for the UP Express or a taxi into downtown.
London departure choices
Heathrow non-stops are common when available. Regional UK airports often connect via a European or Canadian hub — compare total journey and baggage rules.
London airports — quick compare
| Airport | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow (LHR) | West London; full-service | Frequency / connections | Peak queues; often dearer headlines |
| Gatwick (LGW) | South / south-east | Strong leisure short-haul | Awkward from north of the river |
| Stansted (STN) | North-east / Essex; low headlines | Often cheapest ticket | Express + cross-London time |
| Luton (LTN) | North / M1 corridor | Regular low-cost schedules | Early starts; DART/coach hops |
Airlines on this route
Air Canada, British Airways, WestJet and others appear. Most use YYZ.
YYZ arrival and getting around
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) sits northwest of the city; the UP Express to Union Station usually beats rush-hour traffic for central hotels. Billy Bishop (YTZ) is closer if your ticket uses it. See the Toronto stays guide.
When the route works best
Late spring through early autumn suits waterfront walks and Niagara day trips. Winter is cold and festive — pack for ice and short daylight.
Baggage, entry and trip cost
Most British leisure travellers need an eTA for Canada — confirm current rules before you pay. Skip the hire car downtown unless Niagara or wine country is the plan.
After you land
Use the Toronto stays guide. Related: London → New York and London → Miami.
Toronto airports — quick compare
| Airport | Best For | Transfer to centre / resort | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | Default UK arrival | UP Express / taxi toward Union ~25–50 min | Large hub; winter weather buffers help |
Airport transfers — quick guide
- Heathrow: Elizabeth line or Piccadilly; Express is faster and dearer. Allow peak security time.
- Gatwick: Gatwick Express or Thameslink. Clean from south London; slower if you start north.
- Stansted: Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then Tube. Price that before a “cheap” fare wins.
- Luton: DART to Parkway, then rail into London. Fine with a cabin bag; slower with two hold cases.
- YYZ: UP Express to Union is the clean rail option. Taxis help with late arrivals and big bags.