Flying from Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) to London: what you need to know
London is one hour ahead of Praia, where Nelson Mandela International Airport is located. London observes the UTC+0 timezone.
Allow plenty of time to catch your RAI to London flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra wiggle room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Whether you want to explore another city as part of your journey or just take a break, we make it a breeze to book flight tickets from RAI to London with a stopover. To check out your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Mohamed V International Airport (CMN) is a popular connection hub.
RAI is around 3 kilometres from central Praia. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 5 minutes or so to arrive, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near RAI. Whether you're taking an early flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to London or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels have you covered:
Of all flights departing from Nelson Mandela International Airport, 51.1% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) to London
RM384 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Nelson Mandela International Airport to London flight. Return flight tickets start from RM2,383. These prices may change based on demand and availability.
To pick up cheap flights from RAI to London, book as early as possible. Airlines tend to offer lower fares when flights are first released.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Nelson Mandela International Airport to London throughout the month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your travel plans aren't set in stone.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from RAI to London by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your flights with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Nelson Mandela International Airport to London.
Airports in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is around 31 kilometres from central London. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive will take roughly 55 minutes.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour.
Consider booking a hotel close to LHR if you're coming in on a late flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to London. Settle into one of these accommodation options and make your arrival easier:
Follow your own route with a London Heathrow Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Surprice, U-Save or Green Motion and chase adventure across London and beyond.
Reserving your ride from London Heathrow Airport around one week ahead of your flight from RAI to London can help you get the best possible rate.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Central London is located around 80 kilometres from London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Once your flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to London has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 1 hour 20 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take about 30 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places to drop your things at near LGW. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your RAI to London flight at one of these well-located options:
Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia make collecting a London Gatwick Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Snap up a deal by booking your ride from LGW three weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
Stansted Airport (STN)
Hop off your flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to London and head for your hotel or jump right into exploring. The centre of London is around 64 kilometres from Stansted Airport (STN) and usually takes 1 hour to drive there.
Public transport will take you there in roughly 1 hour 25 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near STN and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Whether you have a late RAI to London flight or just want a stress-free arrival, these stays will have you settling in quickly:
Whether you're after a zippy compact for a solo escape or a full-size SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the perfect Stansted Airport rental car for your needs. Explore the types of wheels available from providers such as Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar.
Plan ahead and get the perks. Book your vehicle from STN four weeks before your flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to London for the best deals.
Best time to go to London
Carefully consider your dates before securing your flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to London. The city comes alive during peak season, but hotel rates are often higher and major attractions can be busy. Go to London in low season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
When booking your Nelson Mandela International Airport to London flight ticket, think about what kind of weather works for you. July is the warmest month in London, with temperatures ranging from 11ºC (52ºF) to 26ºC (79ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from RAI to London in January when temperatures average between 0ºC (32ºF) and 9ºC (48ºF).
More about London
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in London right here. Browse these options after you've booked your flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport to London:
The British Museum and Big Ben are just a couple of the leading attractions to add to your London travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Buckingham Palace.
Explore more of United Kingdom
You've seen London, now it's time to explore other parts of United Kingdom. Journey about 161 kilometres north-west to Birmingham to check off its popular sights. From Cadbury World to The Library of Birmingham and National Sea Life Centre, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Bristol is another must-experience destination in United Kingdom and is around 177 kilometres west of London. No journey is complete without dropping by Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill Nature Park.