Cheap, spontaneous day trips by plane from London

Day trips from London

Q: Are day trips by plane worth it?

They can be, especially when fares are low. A same‑day return lets you experience a new city without paying for accommodation, but it works best with early outbound flights and a late return.

Q: How early should I arrive for a same-day flight?

A good rule of thumb is to arrive 2–3 hours before departure, depending on the airport, time of day, and whether you have checked baggage. Always check your airline’s guidance.

Q: Which London airports are best for day trips?

It depends on where you live and which routes have early outbound / late inbound flights. Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), and Luton (LTN) can all work for day trips.

Q: Can I do a day trip without checked baggage?

Yes — many people do same-day returns with just a small personal item or cabin bag. Make sure your bag meets the airline's size rules to avoid fees and delays.

These are live, same-day return options (0 nights) from London airports — great for a quick city break, food mission, or museum day. Prices update regularly and can change fast.

Day trips by plane from London let you fly to another European city and return the same day, with no overnight stay. Thanks to low-cost airlines and early-morning outbound flights, destinations like Dublin, Milan, and Copenhagen are possible in under 24 hours — often for under £50 return. If you're browsing broadly, explore same-day return flights in Europe, spontaneous travel ideas, or weekend trips from London.

Updated regularly • Next 30 days • Same-day returns

Best day trip options right now

For each destination we show the cheapest same-day return we’ve seen recently in the next 30 days.

From London

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Same-day return flights in Europe Spontaneous trips from London Weekend trips from London

Tips for a great London day trip by plane

For smooth same‑day travel, aim for an early outbound and a late inbound. Low‑cost fares can disappear quickly, so if a deal looks good, it’s worth checking availability sooner rather than later.

These options include major London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton). Always confirm baggage rules and allow extra time for security and passport control.

FAQ

Quick answers for “people also ask”, featured snippets, and voice search.

Are day trips by plane worth it?

They can be, especially when fares are low. Same-day returns are great when you want a new city without paying for a hotel, but they work best with an early outbound and late return.

How early should I arrive for a same-day flight?

Aim for 2–3 hours before departure, depending on the airport and whether you’re checking baggage. Always check your airline’s guidance.

Which London airports are best for day trips?

The “best” airport depends on your location and the route times. Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), and Luton (LTN) can all be great when they have early outbound and late inbound flights.

Can I do a day trip without checked baggage?

Yes — most same-day trips are easiest with just a personal item or cabin bag. Double-check the airline's size rules to avoid surprise fees and delays.