The flight from London to Australia is one of the longest in the world. At roughly 17,000 kilometres, it’s the kind of journey that demands careful planning — because who you fly with can make the difference between arriving refreshed and stepping off the plane feeling like you’ve been tumble-dried. I’ve made this journey more times than I care to count, on almost every airline that operates the route, and this guide covers everything you need to know.
There are several airlines that fly from London (Heathrow or Gatwick) to Australia’s major cities — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth — with a stopover in the Middle East, Asia or Singapore. Almost all flights involve at least one stop; the only exception is Qantas’ Project Sunrise direct flights, which are still limited in operation.
Whether you’re after the best value in economy, the most comfortable business class seat, or something in between, the right choice depends on your priorities, your budget and which Australian city you’re heading to.
📋 TL;DR — the quick version
- ✅ Singapore Airlines is consistently the best overall airline on this route for service, food and comfort.
- ✈️ Qantas is the most direct option and is excellent for business class, but economy is mid-tier for the price.
- 💰 Emirates and Etihad often have the cheapest economy fares and offer solid value.
- 🛑 All flights involve a stopover — typically in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Singapore or Hong Kong.
- 🕐 Total journey time is usually 22–28 hours door to door including your stopover.
- 📅 Book 3–6 months ahead for the best fares; last-minute deals on this route are rare.
- 🧳 Perth is the closest Australian city to London — flights via the Middle East can be as short as 17 hours total.
✈️ Which airlines fly from London to Australia?
Six major airlines operate regular scheduled service between London and Australia. Each has its own routing, stopover city and cabin product.
Singapore Airlines flies from London Heathrow via Singapore to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. It consistently tops passenger satisfaction surveys and is widely considered the premium choice on this route. The Singapore stopover can itself be a highlight — more on that later.
Qantas operates the route via Singapore or Dubai, depending on the service, to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. As Australia’s national carrier, it’s the most iconic choice and the service tends to feel genuinely warm rather than corporate. Business class is outstanding. Economy is decent but not exceptional for the long journey time.
Emirates flies via Dubai to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. The A380 configuration means wide cabins, a great selection of in-flight entertainment, and consistently competitive fares — especially in economy. Dubai airport is enormous and easy to navigate.
Etihad Airways operates via Abu Dhabi to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Often cheaper than Emirates for the same standard of service, and Abu Dhabi airport is notably calmer and less hectic than Dubai.
Qatar Airways flies via Doha to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Doha’s Hamad International Airport is excellent — regularly voted the world’s best airport — and the product is strong across all cabins.
Cathay Pacific flies via Hong Kong to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Hong Kong remains a fantastic stopover hub; the airline itself offers a solid premium product, though economy can feel a little dated on older aircraft.
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💺 Economy class: which airline gives you the most?
Spending 22+ hours in economy is never glamorous, but the gap between a good experience and a miserable one is huge. Here’s how the main airlines stack up.
Singapore Airlines economy is reliably excellent. The seats are comfortable, the in-flight entertainment system (KrisWorld) is one of the best in the sky, and the food genuinely tastes good. The crew are attentive without being over the top. It’s the economy product I’d choose if comfort matters most.
Emirates economy is very good value. The entertainment system (ICE) has thousands of hours of content, which matters a lot on a long-haul. Seat pitch is average, but the overall experience is polished and professional. Fares are often lower than Singapore Airlines for similar departure times.
Qatar Airways economy is strong — new aircraft have better seat-back screens, and the food quality is above average for an economy product. Doha is worth a few hours’ stopover if you have the time.
Qantas economy is comfortable but often overpriced relative to competitors when booked close to departure. The service is warm and Australian, the entertainment good, and the food has improved significantly. Worth it if you can get a deal or if the direct routing to a specific Australian city suits you better.
Etihad economy is solid but unremarkable — think Emirates without the wow factor, at a slightly lower price point. Good choice for budget-conscious travellers who still want a full-service airline experience.
Cathay Pacific economy varies significantly depending on the aircraft. Newer A350s are excellent; older 777s feel tired. Always check the aircraft type before booking.
🌟 Business class: the long-haul game changer
If you can stretch to business class — either by saving up, using points, or catching a sale fare — the difference on a 22-hour journey is night and day. You arrive in Australia having actually slept, rather than having endured.
Singapore Airlines Suites and Business Class are regularly voted the world’s best. The flat-bed seat on the A380 is wide, long, and genuinely private. The food is extraordinary — you can order à la carte at any time, and the wine list is excellent. This is the gold standard.
Qantas Business (the “Business Suite”) has a fully flat bed with direct aisle access, a good entertainment system, and service that is consistently warm. The lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 is good, though not as lavish as the First Class Lounge in Sydney.
Qatar Airways Qsuites are the closest challenger to Singapore Airlines. They have full doors, a double-bed configuration if travelling as a couple, and an exceptional food and beverage offering. Doha’s Al Mourjan Business Lounge is worth arriving early for.
Emirates Business on the A380 is spacious and well-thought-out, with a cocktail bar available between the cabin sections — a genuinely fun touch on a long flight.
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⏱️ Stopover times: how long is ideal?
Most routings give you a stopover of 2–4 hours, which is enough to stretch your legs, eat something and board the connecting flight. But there’s a strong case for booking a longer stopover intentionally.
Dubai offers a chance to stay in one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Even 24 hours is enough to visit the Burj Khalifa, walk through the old souks and swim at a beach hotel. Emirates makes it easy to book a stopover package at partner hotels.
Singapore is the best stopover city in the world for travellers on this route. The food is incredible, the city is clean and easy to navigate, and you can see a lot in even 12–24 hours. Singapore Airlines has a specific stopover programme with discounted hotel rates.
Doha is underrated as a stopover. The city has the Museum of Islamic Art, excellent souq shopping and some genuinely great restaurants. With Qatar World Cup legacy infrastructure, it’s also easy to get around.
Hong Kong remains a great stopover — the skyline is still spectacular and the food is superb. Even a transit of 3–4 hours at one of the world’s best airports is a pleasure.
📅 When to book and what to pay
London to Australia economy fares typically range from £700 to £1,400 return, depending on the season and airline. Business class fares start around £2,500–£3,500 return if you’re lucky, but can easily reach £5,000–£8,000 at peak times.
The cheapest months to fly are typically February, March and September. The most expensive are December, January and July. Book 3–6 months ahead for the best selection of fares and seats. Set up fare alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak to track price movements. Be flexible on departure day — midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) are almost always cheaper than weekend departures.
If you’re using frequent flyer points, the London to Australia route is one of the best redemptions available. Qantas points, Avios and Singapore KrisFlyer miles can all unlock exceptional value, especially in business and first class.
🧳 Practical tips for surviving the journey
Choose your seat carefully. Use SeatGuru to check the aircraft layout before selecting. Avoid seats near the galleys (noisy) or at the very back (limited recline). Exit rows offer more legroom but the armrests don’t go up.
Stay hydrated. Cabin air at altitude is extremely dry — drink water regularly and avoid excess alcohol and coffee on the flight. Moisturiser, lip balm and eye drops will all earn their place in your carry-on.
Adjust to Australian time immediately. As soon as you board, set your watch to your destination time zone and eat and sleep accordingly. This is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce jet lag.
Move around. On a 17-hour flight, sitting still the entire time is bad for your circulation. Get up and walk the cabin every 2–3 hours. Compression socks are genuinely worth wearing.
Pack your own snacks. Even on full-service airlines, there can be long gaps between meal services. A few protein bars, nuts or fruit in your bag will save you from desperate hunger pangs at 3am somewhere over India.
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🏆 My verdict: which airline should you choose?
For best overall experience: Singapore Airlines. The product, service and stopover option in Singapore make it the strongest all-round choice on this route.
For best value in economy: Emirates or Etihad. Fares are competitive, the A380 experience is solid, and the Dubai/Abu Dhabi stopovers are worthwhile.
For best business class experience: Singapore Airlines or Qatar Airways Qsuites. Both are world-class products that make a very long journey feel genuinely enjoyable.
For Australians coming home: Qantas. There’s something about stepping onto a Qantas plane and immediately feeling like you’re halfway home already. The crew, the food (Vegemite and Tim Tams included), and the overall warmth of the experience are uniquely Australian.
The London to Australia route is long no matter who you fly. But with the right airline and a bit of planning, it can be a genuinely exciting part of your trip rather than something to endure. Combine your flight choice with a look at the best time to visit Australia and you’ll be set for an incredible trip.
For more Australia travel inspiration, read our guides to hidden gems in Sydney, how many days do you need in Sydney, things you should know before visiting Sydney Australia, best winter destinations Australia, best island getaways Australia, and most beautiful places in Australia.
