Left side wins at both ends — Berlin's urban geography on departure and the Surrey/Sussex countryside on arrival. During the cruise over the Netherlands and North Sea crossing, neither side has a strong advantage, but the left side picks up occasional views of Dutch coastal features and the Thames Estuary on descent.
Flown BER to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Berlin to London is 590 miles (950 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses western Poland briefly, then central Germany over Brandenburg, before tracking northwest over the Netherlands — the Rhine-Meuse delta and Dutch polders are visible on clear days. The North Sea crossing takes roughly 20-25 minutes. Descent is over Kent and Surrey, crossing the Thames Estuary and the Weald.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BER
LEFTBER's primary departure runway 25L sends aircraft westward, and the left (south) side gives you a clear view back over central Berlin as you climb out — the Spree river bends, Tempelhof field, and the urban grid are all visible. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with less to see.
Landing at LGW
LEFTGatwick's runway 26L/08R means westbound arrivals approach from the east, and the left (south) side gives views over the Surrey and Sussex countryside including the South Downs ridge on the horizon. The right side faces north toward the less scenic M23 corridor and Crawley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Berlin to London. Left side wins at both ends — Berlin's urban geography on departure and the Surrey/Sussex countryside on arrival. During the cruise over the Netherlands and North Sea crossing, neither side has a strong advantage, but the left side picks up occasional views of Dutch coastal features and the Thames Estuary on descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
During takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Left side for the best views. BER's primary departure runway 25L sends aircraft westward, and the left (south) side gives you a clear view back over central Berlin as you climb out — the Spree river bends, Tempelhof field, and the urban grid are all visible. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with less to see. Notable sights include: Tempelhof Airport (distinctive circular terminal visible from above), Spree river winding through central Berlin, Müggelsee lake to the southeast, Teltow Canal.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's runway 26L/08R means westbound arrivals approach from the east, and the left (south) side gives views over the Surrey and Sussex countryside including the South Downs ridge on the horizon. The right side faces north toward the less scenic M23 corridor and Crawley. Notable sights include: South Downs ridge visible to the south, Ashdown Forest heathland, Crawley town grid directly below on approach, M23 motorway cutting north-south.
How long is the flight from Berlin to London?
The flight from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 590 miles (950 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Berlin to London flight path pass over?
The route crosses western Poland briefly, then central Germany over Brandenburg, before tracking northwest over the Netherlands — the Rhine-Meuse delta and Dutch polders are visible on clear days. The North Sea crossing takes roughly 20-25 minutes. Descent is over Kent and Surrey, crossing the Thames Estuary and the Weald.