While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff scenery from the right side—the Stockholm archipelago—is more visually distinctive and memorable than the relatively flat approach to Warsaw. The archipelago's complex island pattern is a unique geographic feature rarely seen from other major European flight routes.
Flown ARN to WAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Stockholm to Warsaw is 530 miles (853 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Baltic Sea for roughly 90 minutes. Passengers may glimpse the Gotland Island (if visible through haze) approximately 1 hour into flight. The route then crosses the southern Baltic toward the Polish coast, passing over the Pomeranian region with its lakes and forests before reaching the Masovian Plain. The Vistula River delta and coastal areas near Gdańsk are sometimes visible on the approach to Warsaw, though the direct routing typically passes inland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ARN
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Stockholm's archipelago and the Baltic coastline as the aircraft climbs southeastward. The intricate pattern of islands and waterways is distinctive and photogenic during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at WAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Warsaw, particularly of the Vistula River's distinctive meanders through the city and the surrounding flat Masovian Plain. The river's serpentine pattern is visually striking and helps orient passengers to the city layout.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arlanda (ARN) to Okecie (WAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Stockholm to Warsaw. While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff scenery from the right side—the Stockholm archipelago—is more visually distinctive and memorable than the relatively flat approach to Warsaw. The archipelago's complex island pattern is a unique geographic feature rarely seen from other major European flight routes.
What can I see during takeoff from Arlanda in Stockholm?
During takeoff from Arlanda (ARN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Stockholm's archipelago and the Baltic coastline as the aircraft climbs southeastward. The intricate pattern of islands and waterways is distinctive and photogenic during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Stockholm archipelago (thousands of islands), Mälaren lake to the west, Baltic Sea coastline, Arlanda airport runways and surrounding forests.
What can I see when landing at Okecie in Warsaw?
When landing at Okecie (WAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Warsaw, particularly of the Vistula River's distinctive meanders through the city and the surrounding flat Masovian Plain. The river's serpentine pattern is visually striking and helps orient passengers to the city layout. Notable sights include: Vistula River with characteristic meanders, Warsaw city center and districts, Masovian Plain extending to the horizon, Narew River confluence.
How long is the flight from Stockholm to Warsaw?
The flight from Arlanda (ARN) to Okecie (WAW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 530 miles (853 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Stockholm to Warsaw flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Baltic Sea for roughly 90 minutes. Passengers may glimpse the Gotland Island (if visible through haze) approximately 1 hour into flight. The route then crosses the southern Baltic toward the Polish coast, passing over the Pomeranian region with its lakes and forests before reaching the Masovian Plain. The Vistula River delta and coastal areas near Gdańsk are sometimes visible on the approach to Warsaw, though the direct routing typically passes inland.