The right side offers the only real scenery on this short hop: Stockholm's archipelago and waterways during climb-out, and Helsinki's coastline and islands during descent. The left side mostly faces open farmland near Arlanda and inland Finnish terrain near Vantaa, with less visual interest.
Flown ARN to HEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Stockholm to Helsinki is 247 miles (398 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Open Baltic Sea crossing; the Åland Islands archipelago may be faintly visible to the north during cruise depending on exact routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ARN
RIGHTArlanda's typical southbound departure (runway 19) requires a turn east toward Finland, swinging the aircraft over Stockholm's northern districts and Lake Mälaren before crossing into the inner archipelago. Right-side passengers get a brief but clear view of the city and the start of the thousands of islands that make up the Stockholm skärgård.
Landing at HEL
RIGHTOn approach into Helsinki-Vantaa using the southwesterly runways, the aircraft tracks in from the northeast, giving a late view of Helsinki's coastal districts and the Gulf of Finland just before the final turn. Right-side passengers catch glimpses of the city's waterfront and nearby archipelago islands as the plane descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arlanda (ARN) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Stockholm to Helsinki. The right side offers the only real scenery on this short hop: Stockholm's archipelago and waterways during climb-out, and Helsinki's coastline and islands during descent. The left side mostly faces open farmland near Arlanda and inland Finnish terrain near Vantaa, with less visual interest.
What can I see during takeoff from Arlanda in Stockholm?
During takeoff from Arlanda (ARN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arlanda's typical southbound departure (runway 19) requires a turn east toward Finland, swinging the aircraft over Stockholm's northern districts and Lake Mälaren before crossing into the inner archipelago. Right-side passengers get a brief but clear view of the city and the start of the thousands of islands that make up the Stockholm skärgård. Notable sights include: Stockholm city center, Lake Mälaren, inner Stockholm archipelago islands, Djurgården parkland.
What can I see when landing at Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
When landing at Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Helsinki-Vantaa using the southwesterly runways, the aircraft tracks in from the northeast, giving a late view of Helsinki's coastal districts and the Gulf of Finland just before the final turn. Right-side passengers catch glimpses of the city's waterfront and nearby archipelago islands as the plane descends. Notable sights include: Helsinki city skyline, Gulf of Finland coastline, Suomenlinna fortress island, scattered Helsinki archipelago islands.
How long is the flight from Stockholm to Helsinki?
The flight from Arlanda (ARN) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 247 miles (398 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Stockholm to Helsinki flight path pass over?
Open Baltic Sea crossing; the Åland Islands archipelago may be faintly visible to the north during cruise depending on exact routing.