Flying can be a bit of a Marmite situation. Some love it, others can’t wait to touch the earth again. So whether you think flying is all part of the fun of going on a trip or you prefer it to be short and sweet, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to where to go based on flight time.
We looked at all sorts of destinations you can reach from London Heathrow – from under two hours to more than 12 (that’s called ultra long haul in the travel trade) – to bring you the ultimate guide to where to go based on flight time.
Already have a timeframe in mind? Just skip straight to it using this handy little menu.
Flights under 2 hours
Flights under 3 hours
Flights under 4 hours
Flights under 5 hours
Flights under 6 hours
Flights under 7 hours
Flights under 8 hours
Flights under 9 hours
Flights under 10 hours
Flights under 11 hours
Flights under 12 hours
Short haul
Less than 3 hours flight time
Flights under 2 hours
Lyon, France
1 hour 40 minutes
Where the food is so good that even Parisians admit defeat, and the silk-weaving history is just an excuse to wrap you in its charm. Paris’ cooler, less pretentious cousin, boasting stunning Renaissance architecture, secret passageways (traboules), and a knack for making you question every diet you’ve ever attempted.
Aarhus, Denmark
1 hour 40 minutes
Denmark’s “second city,” with Viking roots, cutting-edge architecture, and a shockingly cool arts scene. Quietly steals the spotlight while everyone’s busy gawking at the capital, Copenhagen.
Berlin, Germany
1 hour 50 minutes
History slaps you in the face at every corner, but you’re too busy finding the next underground club to notice. A mix of brutalist buildings, world-class museums and historic landmarks – gritty, creative, and unapologetically free-spirited.
Bergen, Norway
2 hours
The kind of place where you might just get drenched, but you won’t even mind because the scenery is straight out of a fairy tale. Colourful waterfronts, towering fjords, and a seafood scene that could convert even the staunchest meat-lover.
Genoa, Italy
2 hours
The rugged, no-nonsense port city that gave the world pesto, Christopher Columbus, and a labyrinth of alleyways designed to make Google Maps cry. It doesn’t try to impress you like Florence or Rome, but with its grand palaces, gritty charm, and seafood so fresh it practically waves at you, it really doesn’t have to.
Flights under 3 hours
Stockholm, Sweden
2 hours 30 minutes
Part historic fairytale, part futuristic utopia, and somehow spread across 14 islands just to show off. With its minimalist design, pristine streets, and a population that looks like they just stepped out of an Acne Studios campaign, it’s the kind of place that makes you wonder if life really is better with a little more lagom.
Rome, Italy
2 hours 35 minutes
A chaotic masterpiece where ancient ruins photobomb espresso breaks, and crossing the street is a test of faith. Loud, glorious, and completely unapologetic – it’s a living museum where the food is a religion, and history isn’t just preserved, it’s still running the show.
Lisbon, Portugal
2 hours 45 minutes
A sun-drenched dream where the hills are endless, the tiles are prettier as can be, and the trams look like they’ve time-travelled from a Wes Anderson movie. Both old and effortlessly cool, where every pastel de nata comes with a side of Fado and a gentle reminder that you’ll never walk on flat ground again.
Tunis, Tunisia
2 hours 50 minutes
Where ancient ruins, French colonial charm, and Mediterranean vibes collide in beautifully laid-back chaos. One minute you’re wandering the maze-like Medina haggling for carpets you don’t actually need, the next you’re sipping mint tea in Sidi Bou Said, wondering if you should just sack off the return flight.
Helsinki, Finland
2 hours 50 minutes
Where Scandi minimalism meets a surprising amount of cool – sleek design, unexpected saunas, and the kind of quiet that makes you feel like you’re on the set of a Nordic noir thriller. Pretend you’re effortlessly zen while secretly Googling how to pronounce everything.
In-betweeny haul
3 to 6 hours flight time
Flights under 4 hours
Marrakech, Morocco
3 hours 40 minutes
The colours are brighter, the spices are bolder, and the chaos of the souks is all part of the fun. Between the ancient palaces and labyrinthine streets, it’s the kind of city that keeps you on your toes. Haggling mode: on.
Athens, Greece
3 hours 40 minutes
Where ancient ruins are so abundant you practically trip over them, and the Acropolis watches over you like a judgmental relative. Between the philosophy, the feta, and the fact that the sun never seems to stop shining, it’s as if the city is constantly trying to remind you that civilization peaked here – and you’re just lucky to be visiting.
Istanbul, Turkey
3 hours 55 minutes
Where East meets West, with Byzantine palaces, Ottoman mosques, and street food that will make you question every meal you’ve ever had. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a historical documentary… but with better coffee and fewer textbooks.
Reykjavik, Iceland
3 hours 10 minutes
A quirky little city where the population is small but the geothermal energy is big. Soak in the Blue Lagoon, whale watch, and gawk at Hallgrímskirkja Church – you literally can’t miss it.
Bonus! The Greek Islands
Santorini
3 hours 55 minutes
The island that looks like it was designed purely for postcards, with its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and sunsets so perfect they make every other sunset feel inadequate.
Zakynthos
3 hours 40 minutes
Electric-blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and a shipwreck so famous it should probably have its own agent. Navagio Beach, sea turtles, beach bars, and endless sunshine – bliss.
Mykonos
3 hours 50 minutes
Dazzling whitewashed streets meet golden beaches and the nightlife is as legendary as the Aegean views. Mykonos also has a softer side – secluded coves, charming windmills, and authentic Greek tavernas where you can savour fresh seafood while watching the waves roll in.
Flights under 5 hours
Cairo, Egypt
4 hours 50 minutes
Chaotic, noisy wonderland where ancient pyramids and bustling markets collide. With the Great Sphinx casually looming over traffic and the Nile flowing like it’s been there for, well, 5,000 years, it’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re walking through a history book… if that history book was a little bit messy, yes, but also full of adventure.
Dalaman, Turkey
4 hours 10 minutes
A sleepy little town in Turkey where your biggest dilemma is deciding whether to lounge by the sea or make a day trip to ancient ruins – oh, the pressure. A stunning coastline, hidden coves, and the kind of laid-back vibe that makes you wonder why everyone isn’t living here full-time.
Paphos, Cyprus
4 hours 35 minutes
That charming little Cypriot town where ancient history, beautiful beaches, and a few too many restaurants serving halloumi come together in perfect harmony. With its archaeological sites that make you feel like you’re living in a National Geographic special, you’ll convince yourself you’re cultured… while secretly enjoying a cocktail on the beach.
Ponta Delgada, Algarve
4 hours 10 minutes
Hike through volcanic landscapes and sip on the freshest local pineapple. Cobbled streets, charming architecture, and just enough mystique to make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret island.
Flights under 6 hours
Baku, Azerbaijan
5 hours 30 minutes
With its blindingly shiny Flame Towers and lavish oil wealth, this city on the Caspian Sea is shaped by a rich history and a wind so strong it has its own name – seriously, they call it the “City of Winds” for a reason. The Old City is a maze of narrow alleys, historic mosques, and the iconic Maiden Tower. Wander along the Caspian promenade, try saffron-infused plov, or try to keep your hat from flying away in the gusty streets.
Luxor, Egypt
5 hours 15 minutes
Luxor is basically an open-air museum where ancient temples and tombs casually sit around, reminding you that modern civilization is, frankly, a little underwhelming. With the mighty Nile flowing through, with the grand Karnak and Luxor Temples on one side and the legendary Valley of the Kings on the other, there’s enough hieroglyphics to make you wish you’d paid more attention in history.
Long haul
6 to 12 hours flight time
Flights under 7 hours
Dubai, UAE
6 hours 50 minutes
They’ve perfected the art of showing off – towering skyscrapers, luxury malls, and indoor ski slopes remind you that modesty is, well, not really their thing. Golden beaches, mind-boggling architecture, and shopping that could bankrupt a small country. It’s kind of like being in a sci-fi movie, only with more glitter and air-conditioned everything.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
7 hours
Dubai’s little sister – still fabulously wealthy and a little flashy, but with more time spent admiring opulent mosques. It’s the kind of place where you can ride a Ferrari at a theme park, then sip on tea at a palace, all while pretending you’re not secretly impressed by how much money is being casually thrown around.
Lagos, Nigeria
6 hours 55 minutes
The traffic is legendary, the nightlife never stops, and the energy is so electric you’d think it powers the entire country. Chaotic markets, pristine beaches, and street food galore. Try Suya, it’s like the Nigerian answer to kebabs, only way more flavourful (and with an extra kick to wake you up).
Halifax, Nova Scotia
6 hours 50 minutes
The charming Canadian city where ocean breeze and maritime history come together. Cobblestone streets, an historic waterfront, and a surprising amount of craft breweries. With a pub culture that could rival ours, it’s charming without even trying.
Flights under 8 hours
Bermuda
7 hours 25 minutes
Despite its size (it’s pretty small, only 21 square miles), Bermuda punches well above its weight in the beauty department with its pink sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkelling or diving. A quirky mix of British colonial history and island charm. Think pastel-coloured cottages, narrow streets, and cobblestone alleys in places like St. George’s.
New York, USA
7 hours 45 minutes
The skyscrapers are taller, the pizza is floppier, and the hustle is everywhere. Endless attractions that we can’t fit here, constant noise, and a subway system that’s basically its own ecosystem. This is New York, New York, baby!
Montreal, Canada
7 hours 10 minutes
Montreal is the city where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: French sophistication with a side of laid-back Canadian charm, all while debating whether poutine is actually a delicacy or a clever excuse for eating gravy-covered fries. With a European vibe that somehow feels both chic and casual, it’s the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern edge.
Washington, D.C
7 hours 55 minutes
Where history, politics, and monuments are so intertwined you’ll trip over one while trying to get a coffee. A dose of gridlocked traffic, and endless museums (seriously, the Smithsonian goes on and on), there’s an omnipresent sense here that everything is important and classified – like living in the world’s most polished political thriller.
Flights under 9 hours
Chicago, USA
8 hours 55 minutes
The city that gave us deep-dish pizza, unpredictable weather, and a skyline so stunning it almost makes you forget about the wind trying to knock you over. With its mix of world-class architecture, die-hard sports fans, and a thriving jazz and blues scene, it’s charming with a tough edge.
Nairobi, Kenya
8 hours 35 minutes
Skyscrapers and safari parks exist side by side here, so you can sit in traffic one minute and spot a giraffe the next (sort of). East Africa’s economic and cultural powerhouse, Nairobi is an ever-evolving city where tech startups thrive, nightlife is buzzing, and the food scene is a glorious mix of local flavours (try nyama choma, ugali, and sukuma wiki) – this place moves as fast as its public buses, matatus (which is very fast).
New Delhi, India
8 hours 55 minutes
With its intoxicating mix of Mughal architecture, mouthwatering street food, and a heat that could probably cook a samosa on the sidewalk, it’s a place that overwhelms every sense (in the very best way). You’re marvelling at a 12th-century monument, then you’re dodging a rickshaw in traffic that follows no known laws of physics. Welcome to India.
Toronto, Canada
8 hours 20 minutes
Canada’s biggest city where over 200 languages are spoken, meaning you can grab dim sum for breakfast, a Jamaican patty for lunch, and Italian for dinner – all without leaving the same neighbourhood. The skyline is dominated by the CN Tower, while Lake Ontario provides a breezy escape when the city heat kicks in. Meanwhile, sports fans here live in a perpetual state of hope (and heartbreak) thanks to teams like the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays.
Barbados
9 hours
With a deep love for cricket, and a culture that blends British influence with pure Bajan charm, this island is small but packed with personality, from Bridgetown to the rugged beauty of the east coast, where the Atlantic waves put on a show for surfers. Must-try dishes include flying fish and cou-cou, macaroni pie, and anything doused in their legendary hot sauce. It’s basically paradise – if paradise also came with the occasional friendly debate about who makes the best rum punch.
Flights under 10 hours
Beijing, China
9 hours 30 minutes
With its world-class cuisine (Peking duck, anyone?) and a history that stretches back thousands of years, it’s a place that demands your attention. You’ve got experiences like the Forbidden City…. and trying to figure out how to navigate the city’s sprawling metro system. Of course, the city’s historical treasures like the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall (yes, that Great Wall – it cuts right through the city) still demand a visit, but the ever-changing skyline and tech-driven vibe make it feel like a city that’s trying to squeeze in a thousand years of progress into a single decade.
Orlando, Florida
9 hours 15 minutes
The land of fantasy, where the lines between reality and childhood imagination blur the moment you step into one of its world-famous theme parks. Aside from Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando boasts a surprising amount of charm with its growing arts scene, fun nightlife, and unexpected dining gems.
Saint Lucia
9 hours 20 minutes
Known for its stunning Pitons (those iconic, towering peaks), crystal-clear waters, and black sand beaches, it’s the kind of place where you can spend your days lounging in a luxury resort or exploring nature trails, waterfalls, and hot springs. The charm lies in the balance here – one minute you’re sipping rum punch by the beach, and the next you’re hiking through lush rainforest to get to a secret waterfall.
New Orleans
9 hours 50 minutes
Where the music never stops, the food is always spicy, and you’re likely to lose your dignity at least once during Mardi Gras. Known for its vibrant blend of French, African, and Spanish cultures, the city’s historic neighbourhoods (hello, French Quarter) are a labyrinth of colourful buildings, jazz-filled streets, and the ever-present smell of beignets and gumbo. It’s a bit like that quirky friend of yours who always has a story to tell and insists you try something new, even if it’s a little outside your comfort zone.
Flights under 11 hours
Antigua
10 hours 15 minutes
Antigua is the Caribbean island where you’ll find 365 beaches – one for each day of the year. Soak up the sun on the powdery sands of Dickenson Bay or enjoy the crystal-clear waters at Half Moon Bay. The island is steeped in history, from the cobblestone streets of the capital, St. John’s, to the impressive Nelson’s Dockyard. Spend your days exploring hiking trails, indulging in rum punches, and sampling local delicacies like saltfish and fungi.
Las Vegas, USA
10 hours 45 minutes
“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” is less of a motto and more of a survival tactic here. Known for its glitzy casinos, extravagant hotels, and 24/7 party atmosphere, it’s the place where you can gamble your life savings, take in a magic show, eat at a world-class restaurant, and maybe, just maybe, wonder where your last three hours went – all in the same afternoon.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
10 hours 45 minutes
The bustling capital of Sri Lanka, where you’ll dodge tuk-tuks, street vendors, and cows all while trying to catch a glimpse of the Indian Ocean through the traffic. It’s a city where you can wander through colonial-era buildings and pop into a Buddhist temple, all within a few city blocks. Modern malls, historic sites like the Dutch Hospital, and green spaces like Viharamahadevi Park, where you can escape the traffic for a while.
The Maldives
10 hours 20 minutes
Made up of over 1,000 islands, this dreamy destination offers pristine beaches, luxury resorts perched on stilts over crystal-clear lagoons, and an underwater world so stunning you’ll forget what the outside world even looks like. Go snorkelling or diving in some of the world’s best coral reefs, where you’ll come face-to-face with sea turtles, whale sharks, and fish that have wandered straight out of a marine biologist’s dream.
Flights under 12 hours
Bangkok, Thailand
11 hours 30 minutes
Where ancient temples like Wat Pho sit right next to towering skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls. Sample spicy pad Thai on a bustling street corner or sit down for a fancy meal at a rooftop restaurant with jaw-dropping views. And if you’re into late-night bars, neon-lit districts, or nightclubs that could make your head spin, this is definitely the place for you.
Cape Town, South Africa
11 hours 35 minutes
Hike up Table Mountain for sweeping views, explore the streets of Bo-Kaap, or indulge in world-class wine tasting in nearby Stellenbosch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even swim with penguins at Boulders Beach or venture to Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans decide to have a meet-up. Here’s where stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and vineyards all exist in harmony.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
11 hours 55 minutes
Known for its golden beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio is where you’re expected to dance your way through life—preferably in a carnival costume. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, hiking up to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, or simply wandering through the streets with the sound of samba in the air, watch out for the “Carioca way” of doing things – rarely on time, but always full of life!
Los Angeles, USA
11 hours 20 minutes
The sprawling, sun-soaked city known for its glitzy Hollywood backdrop, where you’ll find everything from luxury shopping and world-class dining to beach days and hiking up to the Hollywood sign. You’ll spot a celebrity, or more realistically, just bump into someone wearing sunglasses at 10 a.m. and assume they might be famous. Indulge in LA’s obsession with wellness, window shop your way down Rodeo Drive, or get a whole different kind of starry-eyed at the Griffith Observatory.
Ultra Long Haul
12 hours plus
Hong Kong
12 hours 35 minutes
With its perfect blend of East meets West, it’s the place where you can sip on bubble tea, take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour and pretend you’re in an action movie, get lost in the winding streets of Mong Kok, or hike Dragon’s Back – voted one of the best hikes in the world. Oh, and don’t forget the Peak Tram at sunset – that’s a must.
Seoul, South Korea
12 hours 45 minutes
Skyscrapers sitting side by side with ancient palaces and Buddhist temples. Shop in high-end fashion districts like Gangnam, then walk a few streets to find yourself lost in the narrow, traditional streets of Bukchon Hanok Village. Indulging in a steaming bowl of bibimbap or master the art of the perfect Korean BBQ (pro tip: always ask for more kimchi). Neon-lit streets, karaoke rooms, and soju shots flowing freely until the sun comes up. Say hello to Seoul.
Perth, Australia
16 hours 45 minutes
There’s an effortless vibe here, where you’re just as likely to be at a café in Northbridge as you are lounging on Cottesloe Beach, watching the waves (and the occasional dolphin) roll in. Whether you’re hiking in Kings Park, sipping local wines in the Swan Valley, or just enjoying a stroll along the river, you’ll quickly realize that life moves at a slightly slower pace here – and honestly, it’s kind of nice. P.S. – it’s closer to Bali than Sydney!
Singapore
13 hours 5 minutes
The ultra-modern city-state that manages to make cleanliness and efficiency look cool, while also boasting a skyline straight out of a sci-fi film. There’s a rich cultural mix, with bustling hawker centres where you can chow down on chicken rice and laksa, and colourful neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little India that add a bit of flavour. Lounge in the Gardens by the Bay, taking a selfie with Marina Bay Sands, or indulge in retail therapy along Orchard Road.
Sydney, Australia
21 hours 20 minutes
Sydney is Australia’s glamorous, beach-loving metropolis, where you can start your day with a swim at Bondi and end it at a rooftop bar overlooking the iconic Opera House. It’s a a mix of a laid back culture and urban sophistication, from sailing across its sparkling harbour to hiking through lush national parks just a short drive away. Oh, and they have incredible coffee.
