Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view over Adelaide's coast and ranges is more distinctive than the landing approach. The Gulf St Vincent and Mount Lofty Ranges provide stronger visual interest than the suburban sprawl of western Sydney, though left seats do offer the Blue Mountains on descent.
Flown ADL to BWU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Adelaide to Sydney is 713 miles (1,147 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses inland from Adelaide northeastward, passing over the Barossa Valley wine region, then transitions to the New South Wales tablelands. The Southern Tablelands and Goulburn region sit roughly midway. As you approach Sydney, you'll cross the Nepean River valley and the foothills of the Blue Mountains before descending toward Bankstown's inland location west of Sydney's CBD.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADL
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the immediate climb-out over Adelaide's coastal geography. You'll see the city grid, Gulf St Vincent, and the Mount Lofty Ranges receding inland as you gain altitude on the typical northeasterly departure.
Landing at BWU
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best view during descent into Bankstown. You'll see the western Sydney sprawl, the Nepean River valley, and the Blue Mountains in the distance as you descend on typical westerly approach vectors into this inland airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Adelaide International (ADL) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Adelaide to Sydney. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view over Adelaide's coast and ranges is more distinctive than the landing approach. The Gulf St Vincent and Mount Lofty Ranges provide stronger visual interest than the suburban sprawl of western Sydney, though left seats do offer the Blue Mountains on descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Adelaide International in Adelaide?
During takeoff from Adelaide International (ADL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the immediate climb-out over Adelaide's coastal geography. You'll see the city grid, Gulf St Vincent, and the Mount Lofty Ranges receding inland as you gain altitude on the typical northeasterly departure. Notable sights include: Gulf St Vincent (immediate right), Adelaide city center and suburbs (below/right), Mount Lofty Ranges foothills (inland/right), Barossa Valley region (distant right).
What can I see when landing at Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
When landing at Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best view during descent into Bankstown. You'll see the western Sydney sprawl, the Nepean River valley, and the Blue Mountains in the distance as you descend on typical westerly approach vectors into this inland airport. Notable sights include: Nepean River and its valley (left/below), Blue Mountains ridge (distant left), Western Sydney suburbs (below/left), Penrith region (far left).
How long is the flight from Adelaide to Sydney?
The flight from Adelaide International (ADL) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 713 miles (1,147 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Adelaide to Sydney flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses inland from Adelaide northeastward, passing over the Barossa Valley wine region, then transitions to the New South Wales tablelands. The Southern Tablelands and Goulburn region sit roughly midway. As you approach Sydney, you'll cross the Nepean River valley and the foothills of the Blue Mountains before descending toward Bankstown's inland location west of Sydney's CBD.