Are you wondering where is London located? This famous tourist destination is on the bucket list of many travelers, and once you get to know more about this lovely city, you’ll understand why.
Where exactly is London located? London is located on the Thames River in southeastern England, United Kingdom. It is bordered by Hertfordshire to the north, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to the west, Kent to the east, and Surrey to the south. The latitude of London is 51.509865 while its longitude is -0.118092.
Ready to know more about the city of London? I have gathered and answered some useful FAQs and added in a couple of quick facts about London just for fun!

Where is London located on the map?
HOW TO USE THIS MAP TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS:
CLICK the YELLOW MARKER OR THE DROP DOWN MENU next to the title to see the various things to do and point of interest in this guide and CHOOSE your desired preview of the map, whether HOTELS & RENTALS, EXPERIENCES, RESTAURANTS OR OTHERS. Feel free to use the filters, number of guests, and your preferred dates. You can see more information about the different attractions (the GREEN MARKERS) when you click the icons, as well as finding your perfect accommodation that will suit your budget and location. You could also book your guided tours and restaurants using the map.
London at a Glance:
Thanks to the strategic location of London, it has been the UK’s capital city ever since its establishment. London never stopped evolving as a center of trade and commerce and an important transport network hub.
Connectivity plays a huge part in the success of London as a tourist destination. The city’s extensive public transportation system which includes the iconic London Underground (the Tube), buses, and trams is undeniably world-class.
There are a couple of airports in London, specifically:
- London City Airport (LCY)
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Luton Airport (LTN)
- Stansted Airport (STN)
- Southend Airport (SEN)
Historically speaking, the location of London enabled it to become a global financial center. Numerous international banks, financial institutions, and different types of businesses line up at the city’s historic financial district.
The time zone in London follows the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The standard plug there is the British Standard 3-pin plug or socket. The currency used in London is the British Pound (GBP.)
Distance of London to Other UK Destinations:
| DESTINATION | DISTANCE |
| London to Windsor Castle | 35 kilometres or 22 miles |
| London to Ascot | 38.6 kilometres or 24 miles |
| London to Brighton | 76 kilometres or 47 miles |
| London to Stonehenge | 77.7 kilometres or 125 miles |
| London to Highclere Castle | 88.5 kilometres or 55 miles |
| London to Hastings | 98.17 kilometres or 61 miles |
| London to Stratford-upon-Avon | 134 kilometres or 83 miles |
| London to Cadbury World | 160.9 kilometres or 100 miles |
Fun Facts About London, UK:
- The name London comes from the old Celtic word “Londinous” which means “to be bold.”
- London was founded by the Romans. It was once a trading and transportation hub for the Roman Empire.
- London is the capital city despite the fact that it is the smallest city in England.
- The most famous nickname for London is “The Big Smoke.” This has a sad background story, though. The smoke pertains to the thick cloud enveloping the city due to the burning of coal in ancient times.
- The city is so diverse that more than 300 languages are spoken in London. Aside from English, some of the common ones being spoken here are Scots, Welsh, Bengali, Punjabi, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
- A lot of famous personalities call London their birthplace. Some of them are Charles Darwin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Florence Nightingale.
- The River Thames plays a huge part in the history, economy and culture of London. The river is the longest one in England, measuring 210 miles or 338 kilometres long and flowing from the Cotswolds to the North Sea.
- The iconic landmarks in London have been lending their beauty to various films and other media. Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond and Bridget Jones Diary are only four of the many works that featured London.
- London’s location, specifically the Greenwich Meridian, is the starting point for measuring every place’s longitude.
- Did you know? The London Bridge in the famous children’s song isn’t the iconic blue-colored bridge that spans between the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Southwark which is the Tower Bridge. It is actually an unassuming bridge located upstream from the Tower Bridge.
More About London, UK:
- Let me help you make that ultimate London itinerary! I listed down all the best things to do in London right here.
- If you’re coming to London and you wish to be near the main attractions, here’s where you should stay.
- Are you coming to London on a special occasion? Here are the best hotels in London to spend the New Year, and here’s the list for when you want to stay at a luxury hotel in London.
- Foodies, hear me out! Don’t miss out on these best places to eat in London!
- Once you’re in London, you can easily get to nearby travel destinations. Brighton, Portsmouth, and many other places are one day trip away from London.
Frequently Asked Questions About London
Is London in England or the UK?
The answer is both: London is in the country of England, and England belongs to the sovereign state of the United Kingdom.
Where exactly is London located?
London is located in the southeastern part of England.
Is London part of Europe or the UK?
London is part of the sovereign state of the United Kingdom. The UK is located on the continent of Europe. Therefore, London is part of both Europe and the UK.
Is London in Canada or the UK?
Canada and the UK both have places which are named London. London is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada and is also a city in southeastern England, United Kingdom.
Is the UK, England and London the same?
The UK is the sovereign state that England belongs to. England is the country where London is located.
How do I get around London?
You can get around London by Tube, bus, tram, river bus, and train. There is also the iconic black cab and private transfer options for you to choose from. London’s efficient transportation system will definitely make your journey there smoother.
Is London a safe city to visit?
London has its share of petty crimes and forces of nature. In general, it is a safe city to visit. This does not mean, though, that you will let your guards down and stop applying common sense.
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for my UK trip?
YES – If you’re traveling to the UK, securing travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is essential for your peace of mind; I recommend Safety Wing Travel Insurance, which is renowned for its reliability. (READ MORE)
💧 Can I drink tap water in the UK?
YES – You can confidently drink tap water in the UK—just run it for a bit first—and use a Hydro Flask travel bottle, it is a great eco-friendly companion to keep you hydrated while touring the UK attractions.
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in the UK?
YES – Renting a car in the UK is one of the best ways to see the country. I recommend Discover Cars, to check for the best car rental deals that suit your budget. See my UK driving tips here.
📲 Will my phone work in the UK?
POSSIBLY. Always check with your home mobile provider. If it won’t work or is too expensive, I recommend using Airlo E-Sim for data packages to stay connected online.
🔌 What adapter should I use in the UK?
TYPE G – In the UK, you’ll need a type G plug travel adapter with three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle to power your devices, and the electrical system runs on a 230V supply voltage at 50Hz. (READ MORE)
✈️ What is the best site to buy UK flights?
For finding affordable UK flights, I recommend using Skyscanner. You can always compare the prices that suit your budget.
🛏️ What is the best way to book accommodations in the UK?
My go-to for UK accommodations is Booking.com. I recommend to always check hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.
💷 What currency do I need for my UK trip?
Sterling Pounds – I suggest getting a Wise Travel Card for your hassle-free forex and contactless spending while in the UK. (READ MORE)
🧳 What do I pack for the UK trip?
Depending on the season – You can check my article about the best time to visit the UK.
🛂 Do I need a visa for the UK?
Likely Not – US, Canada, AU, NZ, and EU passport holders do not need a visit visa to the UK. If ever you need one, read more on how to apply for a UK visit visa. Visit iVisa.com to help you with your visa travel documentation needs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Everything Zany
Travel BlogEverything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.