About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ferihegy (BUD) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Budapest to London. While the left side wins at departure for Budapest city views, the right side delivers the more dramatic payoff on arrival with the Thames, Canary Wharf, and central London spread out below during the long visual approach into Heathrow. The right side also captures the Alps from a distance over Austria and southern Germany during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Ferihegy in Budapest?
During takeoff from Ferihegy (BUD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Budapest's runways 13/31 and 04/22 mean westbound departures typically involve a left turn heading northwest. The left side captures the Danube bend at Visegrád, the Buda Hills, and the city center including the Chain Bridge and Parliament building during the climbing turn over the city. Notable sights include: Danube River and Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament building, Buda Hills, Visegrád Danube Bend.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant runway orientation is 09/27 (east-west). Arrivals from the east typically land on runway 27L or 27R, approaching from the east over London. The right side of the aircraft faces south, giving views over central London including the Thames, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the City of London as you descend through 3,000-6,000 feet on the ILS approach. Notable sights include: River Thames and Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf towers, The City of London, Windsor Castle (on final approach).
How long is the flight from Budapest to London?
The flight from Ferihegy (BUD) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Budapest to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over Slovakia and the Czech Republic, passing near Brno and Prague, then over southern Germany near Nuremberg and Frankfurt, crossing into Belgium or northern France before the Channel crossing into England. The Austrian Alps are visible to the south as a distant white-capped ridge early in the flight. The Rhine Valley is visible below near Frankfurt. The English Channel crossing takes roughly 20-25 minutes at cruise altitude.