Direct flight Rennes London

Rennes to London flight: the British capital is just a stone’s throw away! 

Fancy a quintessentially British getaway from Brittany? A short flight from Rennes to London brings the bustling capital of the United Kingdom within your reach. Cosmopolitan, historic, trendy and a foodie’s paradise, London has something to delight every type of traveller. Whether you’re admiring Big Ben, strolling through Notting Hill or shopping on Oxford Street, get ready to fall in love with the London atmosphere. Let’s go! Don’t hesitate any longer – London is waiting for you! 

Practical information for a trip to London

Flights from Rennes to London 

Good news for travellers from Brittany: there are direct flights from Rennes to London several times a week. The low-cost airline easyJet currently operates around five direct flights a week between Rennes and London Gatwick Airport. In just 1 hour 20 minutes by plane, you’ll be on the other side of the Channel – a quicker journey than travelling from Paris to Brest by train! Flights usually land at Gatwick, south of London, but connections via other airlines may take you to Heathrow or London City (with a connecting flight). Ticket prices vary depending on the season, but if you book well in advance, you can often find deals for around €100 round trip. 

Airports and transfers 

London Gatwick (LGW) is the airport served by direct flights from Rennes. Located 45 km south of London, it is well connected to the city centre via the Gatwick Express (a direct train to London Victoria in 30 minutes) or via Thameslink and Southern trains to other London stations. A train ticket costs around £20–25 depending on the service. Alternatively, National Express coaches run from Gatwick to the city centre in around 1 hour 15 minutes (cheaper, but takes longer). If your flight transits via Paris, you may arrive at London Heathrow (LHR) to the west of the city, which is connected to Paddington in 15 minutes by the Heathrow Express train, or by Underground (Piccadilly line) in around 50 minutes. Finally, London City Airport (LCY), which is closer but smaller, is served by the DLR (light rail). Whichever airport you arrive at, there are plenty of transport options (trains, underground, buses, taxis) to help you reach the heart of London with ease. 

Journey time 

A direct flight from Rennes to London is very short: only about 1 hour 20 minutes (not including check-in procedures). The time difference is -1 hour compared to France (when it’s 12 noon in Rennes, it’s 11 am in London). So, if you set off in the morning, you can be in London in time for your morning coffee! This short journey makes London the perfect destination for a long weekend or even a spontaneous short break.

Formalities 

Please note that since Brexit, the entry requirements for the UK have changed. A valid passport is now compulsory for French travellers (an identity card alone is no longer accepted). Furthermore, since April 2025, the UK has introduced the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Before you set off, you must apply for an ETA online (cost ~£16, valid for 2 years) by providing your passport details, a photo and your email address. The process is straightforward and approval is usually quick (less than 72 hours). Don’t panic, though: for a short tourist trip (less than 6 months), no visa is required – the ETA is sufficient. Just remember to complete these formalities a few days before you leave. As for currency, don’t forget that the UK uses the pound sterling (GBP). Make sure you have either some cash or a bank card that doesn’t charge overseas fees for your spending whilst you’re there.

Urban transport 

London has a dense yet user-friendly public transport network. The famous London Underground (the Tube) covers the whole city (zones 1–6), complemented by numerous red double-decker buses, not to mention commuter trains and the DLR to the Docklands. The most convenient option is to use an Oyster Card or a contactless card to pay for your journeys at a reduced fare (with a daily cap that limits your spending, regardless of the number of journeys). The Underground runs from 5 am to around midnight, with a limited night service at weekends on certain lines. Night buses take over for late-night journeys home. Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt, etc.) are everywhere but quite expensive. It’s worth noting that central London is vast, but many tourist attractions can be reached on foot within the same neighbourhood – and what could be better than a stroll along the Thames or through the parks to soak up the atmosphere? 

Climate 

London’s weather is known for its changeable skies. The oceanic climate brings mild winters (around 4–7°C during the day) and moderate summers (an average of 22–25°C in the afternoon). Rain is frequent throughout the year, but is often light or in the form of drizzle. It’s best to have an umbrella or a raincoat to hand. That said, London isn’t the rainiest city in Europe in terms of total rainfall; it rains less in volume than in Rennes, for example, but the showers are simply more spread out. In summer, pack a few light outfits for lovely sunny days in the parks, and in winter, a windproof jacket to cope with the humidity and wind. 

Safety 

London is a safe city for tourists, with a visible police presence and an extensive network of CCTV cameras. As is the case everywhere, you should remain vigilant in crowds (watch out for pickpockets on the Underground during rush hour or around tourist attractions such as Oxford Street). At night, some lively areas such as Soho or Shoreditch are very bustling – there’s no problem going out there, but take the same precautions as you would in Rennes when heading home (take a taxi at night if you’re far away and tired, for example). Tourist areas and the city centre are well frequented, even in the evening. Emergency number to remember: 999 (police, ambulance, fire brigade). Overall, as long as you follow the basic safety guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy London with complete peace of mind.

Cost of living 

It has to be said, London is an expensive city – one of the most expensive in the world. The cost of living there is around 40 per cent higher than in Paris, whether for accommodation, food or leisure activities. For visitors, this means fairly high hotel and apartment rates, days out (museums, attractions and restaurants) that can quickly put a strain on your budget, and transport costs that are not to be overlooked. However, there are plenty of ways to keep your spending under control: B&B-style accommodation or staying with locals on the outskirts, quick meals at food markets or pubs (pubs often offer hearty meals at reasonable prices at lunchtime), and of course the multitude of free activities (free national museums, walks in royal parks such as Hyde Park or Greenwich, the Changing of the Guard, etc.). Set aside a comfortable budget, especially to treat yourself to a spot of shopping or a night out, but bear in mind that you can explore London without breaking the bank if you plan ahead.

Conclusion 

With its royal heritage, vibrant cultural scene and global city vibe, London promises an exhilarating getaway less than two hours from home. The hustle and bustle of Piccadilly, the tranquillity of Hyde Park, the creativity of its neighbourhoods and the richness of its history… it all adds up to a memorable trip. So don’t hesitate any longer: book your flight from Rennes to London and go and enjoy a cup of tea with our neighbours across the Channel. London is calling! You won’t regret it.