Nonstop Flights: Toronto to London

Airlines Flying Nonstop from Toronto to London

Air Canada operates multiple daily nonstop flights from YYZ to LHR, including its flagship Signature Class business cabin. As a Star Alliance member, Air Canada's flights are bookable with Aeroplan miles and partner frequent flyer programs.

British Airways competes daily on this route with its Club World business class and standard economy product. BA's Avios program allows UK-based travelers to use points on this route.

WestJet operates seasonal nonstop service from Toronto to Gatwick (LGW), often at more competitive prices than the Heathrow options. WestJet's Gatwick service is particularly popular for leisure travelers.

Flight Time and What to Expect

The eastbound flight from Toronto to London takes approximately 7 hours, while the return westbound flight is longer at 8–8.5 hours due to headwinds. Most departures leave Toronto in the evening and arrive in London early the following morning, maximizing your first day in the UK.

Tips for Toronto to London Nonstop

• Check WestJet's Gatwick service — it is often $50–150 cheaper than the Heathrow options for the same travel dates.
• Book summer flights (June–August) at least 4 months ahead. This is the peak period for Canadian transatlantic travel.
• Winter fares (January–March) are significantly cheaper. The best value window for nonstop Toronto–London travel if dates are flexible.

Terminal Guide: Toronto Pearson and London

At Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ):

• Terminal 1 (T1): Air Canada's home terminal. All Air Canada international departures including the YYZ–LHR nonstop depart from T1. The Maple Leaf Lounge is located in T1 for eligible passengers. Dedicated Signature Class check-in for business passengers.
• Terminal 3 (T3): British Airways and WestJet depart from T3. T3 has separate international departures halls and check-in areas. The BA and WestJet lounges are in T3.
• T1 and T3 are connected by a free shuttle bus. Allow 15 minutes for the transfer if you need to move between terminals.

At London Heathrow (LHR):

• Terminal 2 (T2): Air Canada arrives and departs from T2 — the Star Alliance terminal. T2 is modern (opened 2014) and well-designed. The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is in T2.
• Terminal 5 (T5): British Airways' home terminal at Heathrow. The fastest and most efficient terminal at LHR for premium passengers, with dedicated security lanes.
• London Gatwick South Terminal (LGW): WestJet uses the South Terminal at Gatwick. The Gatwick Express connects to Victoria station in 30 minutes.

Baggage Allowances by Airline

• Air Canada Economy: 1 × 23kg checked bag included on standard economy fares (not on Basic). 10kg carry-on and personal item included on all fares.
• British Airways Economy: 1 × 23kg checked bag included on World Traveller and above. Basic (Lite) fare excludes checked bags but includes one piece of hand baggage.
• WestJet Economy: 1 × 23kg checked bag included on EconoFlex and above. Econo fares typically include a carry-on but may require a baggage fee for checked bags on some fare classes.

Best Time to Book Toronto to London Nonstop

Cheapest periods: January through March. This is the lowest-demand window on the transatlantic route from Canada and typically yields the best economy fares. Fares in January and February can be 30–40% below summer peak pricing.

Most expensive: June through August (summer peak). Christmas and New Year's. Thanksgiving (Canadian, October) and UK February half-term both create demand spikes.

Booking window: For summer travel, book 4–6 months in advance. For January–March, flexible booking 4–6 weeks out often yields good fares as airlines manage load. Aeroplan award space books out fastest in summer — check 6–11 months ahead for Business Class awards in peak season.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Canadian citizens traveling to the UK: Canadian passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. The UK ETA costs £10 and is applied for online via the UKVI website or the UK ETA app. It is valid for 2 years and allows multiple stays of up to 6 months. Apply before departure — most applications are approved within minutes but allow 3 business days.

UK citizens traveling to Canada: UK passport holders can enter Canada visa-free for up to 6 months for tourism or business. An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required for UK nationals flying into Canada — apply at canada.ca. Cost is CAD $7, valid for 5 years, and typically approved within minutes.

Transit through the USA: Some routings from Canada to Europe technically fly over US airspace — these are not transiting the USA and require no US documentation. Confirm with your airline if you have concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Air Canada or British Airways — which is better on this route?

In economy, both are broadly comparable. Air Canada's 787 economy seats are rated slightly better for comfort, and their entertainment system is comprehensive. BA's catering is generally slightly better received. For business class, Air Canada Signature Suite (on 787 aircraft) and BA Club Suite (on 787 routes) are both excellent flat-bed products. The choice often comes down to your loyalty program — Aeroplan for Air Canada, Avios for BA — and which terminal at LHR you prefer to use.

Does WestJet have business class on this route?

Yes. WestJet Business on their transatlantic Dreamliner services features lie-flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration — a competitive product. WestJet Business is often priced below Air Canada and BA equivalent business fares on the same dates, making it worth comparing especially for leisure business travelers with flexible timing.

What is the Aeroplan award rate to London?

Economy Saver awards on Air Canada nonstop YYZ–LHR start from 25,000 Aeroplan points each way. Business Saver awards start from 55,000–65,000 points each way. Air Canada's Signature Suite is a genuine flat-bed product on this route, making the Business Saver redemption excellent value when space is available.

Is there a nonstop from Toronto to London City Airport (LCY)?

No. All nonstop Toronto–London service lands at Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW). London City Airport (LCY) is served primarily by short-haul European routes and does not receive transatlantic nonstop service from Toronto.

In-Flight Experience Comparison

Air Canada Economy (787-9): Improved Dreamliner cabin with better pressurization and humidity. 31-inch seat pitch standard, 17.5-inch width in 3-3-3 config. AC-powered and USB outlets at every seat. Seatback entertainment with solid content selection including Canadian content. Meal service included.

British Airways World Traveller (787): Similar seat dimensions. Good entertainment library. Catering is a perennial talking point — quality varies by route and catering origin. Premium economy (World Traveller Plus) adds 6 inches of extra legroom and improved meal service at a moderate upgrade cost.

WestJet Economy (787-9): Dreamliner cabin, 31-inch pitch. WestJet's economy crew culture tends toward the relaxed and friendly. Entertainment system is solid. Meal service is included on transatlantic routes. A genuinely competitive product particularly when fares are below Air Canada and BA equivalents.