London to Dubai is a major long-haul route dominated by Emirates and British Airways from Heathrow. Emirates operates LHR-DXB up to 4x daily from €450 return in sales. British Airways offers LHR-DXB direct from €480 with included hold bag. The 5,476km route takes 7h05m direct. Peak winter (December) pushes fares to €1,100-1,400, while May and September see returns as low as €450.
Route: London (LHR) → Dubai (DXB)
Distance: 5476 km
Prices by Season
| Season | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Feb | €450 | €750 |
| Mar-May | €500 | €900 |
| Jun-Aug | €650 | €1100 |
| Sep-Dec | €480 | €1400 |
Airlines on This Route
- Emirates: direct, 7h05m, from €450, 4x daily
- British Airways: direct, 7h10m, from €480, 2x daily
Best Time to Book
Book 3-4 months ahead for lowest long-haul fares. Tuesday and Wednesday departures save €50 versus weekends. January, February, and September are cheapest months. Avoid Dubai Shopping Festival in January and Christmas weeks when prices double. Set price alerts 5 months ahead for summer travel.
Luggage Tips
Emirates includes 30kg checked baggage economy on most fares. British Airways includes 23kg checked bag on long-haul economy. Cabin bags are 55x40x23cm for both. Excess baggage costs €15 per kg online. Always pre-pay baggage online to avoid airport fees which are double the online rate for extra weight allowances on these carriers.
Destination Highlights
- Dubai International Terminal 3: Emirates exclusive hub, largest airport terminal globally, direct metro access.
- Burj Khalifa: Tallest building world, observation decks on levels 124-148, booking essential weeks ahead.
- Dubai Mall: Adjacent to Burj Khalifa, 1,200 stores, Dubai Aquarium, direct metro link from airport.
Airport Transfer Tips
Dubai Metro Red Line connects DXB to city centre in 25 min, cost €2.50. Taxi to Downtown Dubai costs €25-35, 20 min drive. Careem app often cheaper than street taxis. Heathrow to London: Elizabeth Line €14, 35 min to Paddington. Piccadilly Line €6, 50 min to central zones. Heathrow Express €25, 15 min.
Related Pages
- London Heathrow (LHR) Airport Guide 2026
- Dubai International (DXB) Airport Guide
- Emirates vs British Airways Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are cheap flights from London to Dubai?
Emirates and British Airways offer return fares from €450 during sales periods in January and September. Standard pricing sits between €600 and €900 depending on season. Peak winter sun periods in December push prices to €1,200. Budget travelers should target shoulder seasons like May or October for the best balance of weather and cost efficiency on this long-haul route.
Which London airport should I fly to for Dubai?
London Heathrow (LHR) is the primary hub for direct flights to Dubai International (DXB). Emirates operates from Terminal 3, while British Airways uses Terminal 5. Gatwick offers fewer options with seasonal charters. For central London access, Heathrow provides the Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line. Choose Heathrow for frequency and direct terminal access to Dubai services without connections.
When should I book London to Dubai flights?
Book 3 to 4 months in advance for the lowest long-haul fares. Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically save €50 compared to weekend flights. January, February, and September offer the cheapest rates due to lower demand after holidays. Avoid booking during Dubai Shopping Festival in January or Christmas weeks when prices double. Set alerts early for summer travel.
What luggage can I bring on London-Dubai flights?
Emirates includes 30kg checked baggage economy on most fares. British Airways includes 23kg checked bag on long-haul economy. Cabin bags are 55x40x23cm for both. Excess baggage costs €15 per kg online. Virgin Atlantic does not fly direct but codeshares. Always pre-pay baggage online to avoid airport fees which are double the online rate for extra weight allowances.
How long is the flight from London to Dubai?
Direct flight time is approximately 7 hours and 5 minutes from London Heathrow to Dubai International. Eastbound flights are slightly faster due to wind patterns. Westbound returns take around 7 hours 30 minutes. There is a 4-hour time difference ahead in Dubai. Total door-to-door travel time including security and transfer is typically 10 to 12 hours depending on London terminal.
Are there direct flights from London to Dubai?
Yes, Emirates and British Airways operate multiple daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Dubai. Emirates flies up to 4 times daily using Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. British Airways offers 2 daily direct services. No layovers are required. Flight frequency reduces slightly in late summer but remains year-round. This makes it one of the most connected long-haul routes from the UK.
Data updated: 2026-03
