The right side offers the more consistent scenic package: Amsterdam's cityscape on departure and London's Thames-side skyline on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat Dutch farmland and undistinguished English countryside.
Flight Path
North Sea crossing with occasional shipping lanes and, weather permitting, the Dutch and English coastlines visible near either end of the route
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTDeparting Schiphol, the aircraft typically climbs out and banks toward the west, putting Amsterdam's city center, the IJ waterway, and the patchwork of polders and canals on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat farmland with little variation.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn the standard easterly approach into Heathrow during westerly operations, aircraft descend over east and central London before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers views of the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London skyline before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to London. The right side offers the more consistent scenic package: Amsterdam's cityscape on departure and London's Thames-side skyline on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat Dutch farmland and undistinguished English countryside.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Schiphol, the aircraft typically climbs out and banks toward the west, putting Amsterdam's city center, the IJ waterway, and the patchwork of polders and canals on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat farmland with little variation. Notable sights include: Amsterdam city center, IJsselmeer, Dutch polder canal grid, North Sea coastline near Zandvoort.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the standard easterly approach into Heathrow during westerly operations, aircraft descend over east and central London before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers views of the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London skyline before touchdown. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, O2 Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to London?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 1h 20m.
What does the Amsterdam to London flight path pass over?
North Sea crossing with occasional shipping lanes and, weather permitting, the Dutch and English coastlines visible near either end of the route