Travel to London with points and miles in 2025
This collection of articles focused on credit cards, points and miles, and travel budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.
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What comes to mind when you think of London For me, it’s a combination of museums, historical landmarks, and quirky pop culture nods that provide great photo opportunities. After all, it’s the site of Abbey Road Studios, Harry Potter’s Platform 9¾, and a large blue TARDIS Police Box from “Doctor Who.”
Although visiting London can be pricey, it doesn’t have to be. Utilizing public transport, visiting free museums and attractions, and leveraging points and miles for flights and accommodations can significantly reduce costs.
There’s a lot to explore and experience, whether it’s your first trip to London , you’re visiting with kids Whether you’re visiting for a short getaway or a brief city escape, it’s also an excellent place to be if you’re simply passing through.Starting out with points and miles. .
Here’s all the essential information you need for traveling to London using points and miles, along with a few additional tips.our preferred activities to enjoy there .
How to begin utilizing travel points and airline miles.
The cheapest award flights to London
Expand your search beyond a single London airport, since the majority of nonstop flights from the U.S. land at either Heathrow Airport (LHR) or Gatwick Airport (LGW).
Other European hubs might provide additional links to smaller UK airports such as London City Airport (LCY), Luton Airport (LTN), or Stansted Airport (STN) from various locations across the continent.
You can discover the top nonstop offers from key U.S. airport hubs. Therefore, if you reside in a more isolated area of the country, it may be worthwhile to book a repositioning flight to New York (JFK), Dallas (DFW), or Los Angeles (LAX).
The lowest price for a round-trip economy class ticket to London is 20,000 Virgin Points (from the East Coast during the off-peak season).
The lowest price for a round-trip business-class ticket to London is 88,000 miles with All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club.
The lowest price for a round-trip first-class ticket to London is 136,000 British Airways Avios, available during the off-peak season from the East Coast.
The best travel credit cards
American Airlines AAdvantage
Although it may not be the least expensive option, it’s one of the easiest, allowing you to fly non-stop to Heathrow Airport from 10 U.S. cities on American Airlines, or through various combinations with its Oneworld alliance partners.
Here’s the number of AAdvantage miles required for a flight on American Airlines:
Economy Class: Starting at 50,000 miles for a round-trip.
Business/First Class: Starting at 125,000 miles for a round trip.
You can redeem AAdvantage miles to travel on British Airways, but you’ll incur higher fuel surcharges compared to flying with American Airlines.
Here’s the number of AAdvantage miles required for a flight on British Airways:
Economy Class: 45,000 to 60,000 miles for a round-trip.
Business Class: 115,000 miles round-trip
First Class: 170,000 miles round-trip
You can quickly gather AAdvantage miles by transferring points from Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio or from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio. Another option is to enroll in one of the airline’s cobranded credit cards to receive an attractive welcome bonus.
Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: Receive 60,000 bonus miles after your initial purchase and the payment of the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Receive 50,000 bonus miles when you spend $2,500 in the first three months after opening your account.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Receive 65,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 within the first four months of opening your account.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Receive 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $7,000 in the first three months of opening your account.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit CardReceive 60,000 bonus points and a complimentary night award after you make $2,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening your account. The free night award is worth 50,000 points. Please note that some hotels may charge resort fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardSpecial offer for a short period! Receive a $150 statement credit after your first purchase within the first year of opening your account, and earn 100,000 bonus points by spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card*Receive 85,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after using your new Card for $5,000 in purchases during the first 6 months of your Card Membership.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express™ Card*Receive 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you spend $6,000 on your new Card within the first 6 months of your Card Membership.
Creating a travel budget with points and miles involves planning and strategizing how to effectively use your rewards for your trips.
British Airways Executive Club
You can take direct flights from New York (JFK), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA) to Gatwick Airport; however, you’ll have more options for awards at Heathrow Airport, which has non-stop connections from 21 cities in the United States.
British Airways uses a distance-based award chart , so plug in your desired airports on The website for Great Circle Mapper to calculate the mileage first.
Keep in mind that award flights will come with higher fuel surcharges. However, you can avoid these extra costs by connecting through another European city. For example, you could fly to Dublin with Aer Lingus or to Madrid with Iberia, both of which are partner airlines, and then use Avios to book a short flight to London from there (or the other way around).
Here’s the number of Avios required for a round trip from New York or Los Angeles, varying from off-peak times (fall and winter) to peak season (summer and school holidays):
Economy Class: 26,000 or 40,000 Avios from JFK; 39,000 or 60,000 Avios from LAX.
Business Class: 100,000 or 120,000 Avios when departing from JFK; 150,000 or 180,000 Avios when flying from LAX.
First Class: 136,000 or 160,000 Avios from JFK; 204,000 or 240,000 Avios from LAX.
You can also use British Airways Avios to book flights with Oneworld partners such as American Airlines. Here’s the number of Avios required for flights departing from JFK or LAX:
Economy Class: 41,500 or 51,500 Avios for a round trip.
Business Class: 124,000 or 154,500 Avios for a round-trip ticket.
First Class: 165,000 or 206,000 Avios for a round-trip.
To earn British Airways Avios rapidly, consider enrolling in the airline’s co-branded credit card to benefit from its sign-up bonus. Alternatively, you can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Rewards, or American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, or from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio.
British Airways Visa Signature® CardReceive 75,000 Avios when you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardReceive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months following the opening of your account.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardReceive 75,000 bonus miles when you make purchases totaling $4,000 in the first three months after opening your account.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Receive 60,000 bonus points after making $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening your account. This equates to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account. This equates to $900 for travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
The American Express Platinum Card®Receive 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you make $8,000 in eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of your Card Membership.
The American Express® Business Platinum CardReceive 150,000 Membership Rewards® points when you make $20,000 in qualifying purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of membership.
The top credit cards for gaining access to airport lounges.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
The key is to exclusively use Virgin Points for your flight to London, while either using a different points-and-miles program for your return flight from the list provided or returning to the U.S. from another European city to dodge the steep fuel surcharges. Although these charges may be manageable for economy tickets, they can be excessively high for business or first-class redemptions.
Check The rewards site for Virgin Atlanticfor both off-peak and peak season dates, which depend on your destination and the time of year you are traveling.
Here’s the number of Virgin Points required for flights originating from the East Coast, Midwest/South, or West Coast:
Economy Class: Round-trip flights require 20,000, 25,000, or 30,000 miles during off-peak times, and 40,000, 45,000, or 50,000 miles during peak times.
Business Class: Between 95,000 and 135,000 miles for a round-trip during off-peak times; between 115,000 and 155,000 miles during peak times.
Virgin Points can additionally be utilized for flights with partner airlines like Delta, offering a good value nonetheless. a recent award devaluation , or Air France/KLM, among others.
Here’s the number of Virgin Points required for a Delta flight from the East Coast, Midwest/South, or West Coast:
Economy Class: 30,000, 35,000, or 40,000 miles for a round-trip during off-peak times; 50,000, 55,000, or 60,000 miles during peak times.
Business Class: 95,000 to 135,000 miles for a round-trip during off-peak times; 115,000 to 155,000 miles during peak times.
Virgin’s co-branded credit card provides a substantial initial points bonus. Additionally, points can be transferred from Marriott Bonvoy at a rate of 3:1, or from Bilt Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Rewards, or Citi ThankYou Rewards through Virgin Red at a 1:1 ratio.
Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard®: Receive 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days after opening your account.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. This is equivalent to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Receive 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account. This equates to $900 for travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
The American Express® Platinum CardReceive 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points once you make $8,000 in qualifying purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of your Card Membership.
The American Express® Business Platinum CardReceive 150,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend $20,000 on qualifying purchases with the Card in the first 3 months of your membership.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardReceive 75,000 bonus miles after you make $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening your account.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardReceive 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of your account opening.
Citi Premier® Card: Receive 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 within the initial three months of opening your account.
The top credit cards that provide access to airport lounges.
Air France / KLM Flying Blue
Although Air France and KLM do not offer direct flights from the U.S. to London, Flying Blue miles present a good one-stop choice for award travel to the UK through Paris (CDG) or Amsterdam (AMS). Additionally, these miles can be used for non-stop flights with SkyTeam partners such as Delta and Virgin Atlantic.
Check the Flying Blue Rewards A website for Promo Awards that allows you to determine the number of miles required for your award flight.
Here is the number of Flying Blue miles required for a flight from the U.S. to London:
Economy Class: 40,000 miles round-trip
Business Class: 100,000 miles round-trip
To rapidly earn Flying Blue miles, you can transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio, or from Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Capital One Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Receive 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account. This amounts to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Receive 60,000 bonus points after you make $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening your account. This can be redeemed for $900 in travel when you use Chase Travel℠.
The Platinum Card® issued by American ExpressReceive 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on qualifying purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of your membership.
The American Express® Business Platinum Card. Receive 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after making $20,000 in qualifying purchases with the Card during the first 3 months of your membership.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardReceive 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardReceive 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 in the first three months after opening your account.
Citi Premier® Card: Receive 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of opening your account.
The best credit cards for airline miles
All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club
Booking flights with Star Alliance partners such as United, Air Canada, TAP Portugal, LOT Polish Airlines, and SAS using ANA miles represents an excellent opportunity for maximizing your points and miles.
Keep in mind that although you can use them for flights with Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, or SWISS, the fuel surcharges are generally much higher. In contrast, flying with United would require redeeming more miles but involve lower fees.
Remember that ANA only permits round-trip redemptions, and you can only book award flights for yourself and your family members. The simplest way to find award availability is to search on United’s website and then verify it with ANA.
Here’s the number of ANA miles required for a flight from the U.S. to London:
Economy Class: 55,000 miles round-trip
Business Class: 88,000 miles round-trip
First Class: 165,000 miles round-trip
Accumulating ANA miles is straightforward, as you can transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy at a rate of 3:1 or from American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
The American Express® Platinum Card Receive 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after making $8,000 in qualifying purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of your Card Membership.
The American Express® Business Platinum Card Receive 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 on qualifying purchases with the Card in the first 3 months of your Card Membership.
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London hotels you can book with points
London boasts numerous hotel chains, including those from World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, and Hilton Honors, among many others.
Join the loyalty program of your preferred brand to accumulate points for upcoming stays, or think about applying for a co-branded credit card. hotel rewards credit card and accumulating free nights as a result of the welcome bonus.
Those who enjoy staying at Hilton hotels might want to look into the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire credit card, which offers $200 in statement credits for covering resort fees and various charges incurred at hotel locations around the globe.
Should you use cash or points to book your travel?
World of Hyatt
Select from various exclusive World of Hyatt locations, such as The Academy, situated in the trendy Bloomsbury area of London, with nightly rates starting at 20,000 points. Nestled between Covent Garden and the… Tower of London The newly opened Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars offers rooms starting at £20,000 per night.
Located in the fashionable East End, the Andaz London Liverpool Street has room rates starting at 25,000 points per night, conveniently situated a short walk away from Brick Lane, known for its vibrant atmosphere.The finest Bangladeshi cuisine in London., as well as the iconic Ten Bells pub, known for its association with Jack the Ripper.
The welcome bonus from the Chase Sapphire Preferred , Chase Sapphire Reserve or the World of Hyatt Credit Card offers sufficient points for a three-night stay at either The Academy or the Andaz, or for a two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency.
To increase your points balance, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.
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Marriott Bonvoy
The Westin London City is conveniently located within a short walk of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern Offers nightly rates starting at 62,000 points. In Fitzrovia, The London Edition presents another sophisticated choice, with rooms available from 89,500 points per night.
If easy access to the train station is important to you, the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London offers elegant rooms beginning at 52,000 points per night, conveniently located within walking distance of St. Pancras International and King’s Cross This is the location of The Harry Potter Shop and offers an incredible photo opportunity for fans. Potter enthusiasts, this is your chance to get excited as you “pass through” the iconic Platform 9¾.
The welcome bonus from the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American ExpressOffers sufficient points for a complimentary night at The Westin or the St. Pancras Renaissance, and almost enough for a free night at The London Edition.
You can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio if you want to increase your balance.
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Hilton Honors
In Covent Garden, The Waldorf Hilton in London provides accommodations starting at 75,000 points, while the DoubleTree by Hilton London – Marble Arch, located nearby, also has options available. Hyde Park Starting at 59,000 points per night, there are various room options available. The DoubleTree by Hilton London–West End is also an excellent choice, offering rates beginning at 60,000 points per night.
The welcome bonus from the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Cardprovides sufficient points for a two-night stay at either hotel, and the introductory bonus fromThe American Express Platinum Card sufficient rewards for a free night stay at each location.
You can convert points from American Express Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors at a rate of 1:2 if you want to increase your balance.
Best credit cards for adventure travel
IHG One Rewards
Located only a short distance from SoHo and Covent Garden, The National Gallery Hotel Indigo London – 1 Leicester Square offers nightly rates beginning at 49,000 points and is located near Hyde Park. Kensington Gardens Hotel Indigo London–Paddington provides accommodations starting at 42,000 points per night.
Fans of the royals can stay by Buckingham Palace At the InterContinental London Park Lane, room rates start at 79,000 points per night. For those who favor the charming residential area of Russell Square, the Kimpton Fitzroy London offers accommodations starting at 53,000 points per night.
The welcome bonus from the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers sufficient points for a complimentary night at Hotel Indigo or Kimpton locations.
You can add to your balance by transferring points from Bilt Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
Journeying to Europe by utilizing points and miles.
Activities and ground transportation
Getting around London Getting around is incredibly easy due to the extensive London Underground, often referred to as The Tube, and the iconic double-decker buses. Additionally, walking and cycling provide enjoyable options for discovering the city, as does taking a boat ride along the Thames.
Taxis, mini-cabs, and ride-sharing services are readily accessible. For a special experience, consider taking a licensed black cab. The drivers undergo three to five years of training and testing to gain in-depth knowledge about London, so feel free to inquire about the city’s top restaurants and attractions.
London has excellent train connections to various regions across the UK. Paris and further through Eurostar — expanding your choices for day trips from London It appears to go on forever. If you prefer road trips, keep in mind that vehicles drive on the left side of the road (with the steering wheel on the right side of the car), and the roads are quite simple to follow.
Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve Cardholders can visit the Chase Travel℠ portal to find savings on car rentals and guided tours. Ultimate Rewards points are valued at 1.25 cents each, or 1.5 cents each for certain options, allowing you to potentially save a significant amount.
Certain cards, like the Capital One Venture and Capital One Venture X You can use your miles to cover recent travel expenses at a value of one cent for each mile. Chase Sapphire Reserve It also offers a $300 yearly travel credit designed to offset travel costs.
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Bottom line
With some consideration and planning, there is no justification a trip to London doesn’t have to be expensive. By keeping an eye on airline partnerships andpartners for credit card transfersCapitalizing on attractive welcome bonuses offered by co-branded… travel rewards credit cards By being thoughtful with your points and miles, you’ll quickly save a significant amount on your next vacation.
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The eligibility and benefits associated with each card differ. Certain terms, conditions, and limitations are applicable. For more information, please visit.I’m sorry, but I need more context to provide a paraphrase. The text you provided is just a URL. Could you please provide the specific paragraph or content from the site you would like me to paraphrase?For additional information, please refer to the underwriting by Amex Assurance Company.
Editorial disclaimer: The views presented in this text are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card provider, airline, or hotel chain. Furthermore, these entities have not reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content in any way.
