London to New York (LHR–LGA) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days for tourism or business. You must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure. The ESTA costs $21, is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple entries. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, the only official site. Most approvals come within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before travel. The 90-day stay cannot be extended under the VWP.

Passport must be an electronic/biometric passport (all UK passports issued since 2006 qualify). You need proof of onward travel out of the US within 90 days. CBP officers at the port of entry make the final admission decision and can ask about trip purpose, accommodation, and ties to the UK. Automated passport control (APC) kiosks and Global Entry (for pre-approved travelers) speed up arrival processing. Anyone with certain criminal convictions, prior visa denials, or dual nationality with Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen may be ineligible for the VWP and need a B-1/B-2 visa ($185) from the US Embassy in London.

Direct flights from London Heathrow to New York (JFK) run about 7 hours 30 minutes westbound. Multiple US destinations have direct service from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The 90-day VWP clock does not reset by visiting Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean and returning to the US; the original 90 days continues to count down. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals. US Customs allows $800 worth of goods duty-free per person.

Heathrow Express runs from London Paddington to T5 and T2/T3 in 15–21 minutes (£37 single, cheaper booked online or via the Heathrow app). Elizabeth line (Crossrail) is a lower-cost alternative; Paddington to T5 in 34 minutes from £13.50 with an Oyster/contactless cap of £14.90. The Elizabeth line also serves central London stations including Bond Street, Farringdon, and Liverpool Street.London Underground Piccadilly line serves all terminals (T2/T3/T4/T5) from central London in 40–60 minutes (£6 with Oyster). Taxis (black cabs) from central London cost £55–90 depending on traffic. Coach services from Victoria Coach Station (National Express) cost from £10 booked in advance.

Taxis from LGA to Midtown Manhattan cost $30–45 (flat rates do not apply from LGA; metered). Ride-shares pickup is on the lower level; fares to Midtown typically $35–55. Allow 30–60 minutes off-peak, 60–90 minutes during rush hour.The M60 Select Bus ($2.90) connects to the subway at multiple points and takes 45–70 minutes to Manhattan. Q70 Select Bus connects to the 7/E/F/M/R trains at Jackson Heights for additional subway access. Note that LGA has no direct subway or rail link as of 2026.

Humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. LGA is one of the most disruption-prone major US airports. A combination of weather (nor'easters, summer thunderstorms, winter ice) and congested airspace drives delays year-round. Summer (June–August) afternoon thunderstorms cause frequent ground delays and can back up the eastern seaboard for hours.

Winter (December–February) brings snow and freezing rain events, with −5–4°C averages. Nor'easters typically cause 1–2 significant cancellation events per season. Spring and autumn are the most operationally stable periods. Connections through LGA require buffer time to absorb accumulated delays.