The right side wins because it captures Budapest's Danube skyline on departure and London's Thames-side landmarks plus Windsor Castle on arrival, while the left side mostly overlooks flat Central European farmland with few distinctive features.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Vienna basin and Bavarian countryside along the upper Danube, then continues over the Rhine-Main plain of Germany before crossing the English Channel coastline near Kent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUD
RIGHTFerihegy's runway 31 (the commonly used direction with Budapest's prevailing northwest winds) points the initial climb almost straight at the city center before the aircraft banks slightly south onto its westbound track, keeping downtown Budapest and the Danube on the right side of the cabin.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTArrivals from Central Europe typically hold southeast of London near Biggin Hill before turning onto the westbound final approach for 27L/27R, tracking just south of the city center so the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye stay visible on the right before Windsor Castle appears close to the runway threshold.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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. The right side wins because it captures Budapest's Danube skyline on departure and London's Thames-side landmarks plus Windsor Castle on arrival, while the left side mostly overlooks flat Central European farmland with few distinctive features.
What can I see during takeoff from Ferihegy in Budapest?
During takeoff from Ferihegy (BUD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Ferihegy's runway 31 (the commonly used direction with Budapest's prevailing northwest winds) points the initial climb almost straight at the city center before the aircraft banks slightly south onto its westbound track, keeping downtown Budapest and the Danube on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Danube River bend, Buda Castle Hill, Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament Building.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals from Central Europe typically hold southeast of London near Biggin Hill before turning onto the westbound final approach for 27L/27R, tracking just south of the city center so the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye stay visible on the right before Windsor Castle appears close to the runway threshold. Notable sights include: River Thames and Canary Wharf towers, The Shard, London Eye, Windsor Castle near final approach.
How long is the flight from Budapest to London?
The flight from Ferihegy (BUD) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 2h 45m.
What does the Budapest to London flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Vienna basin and Bavarian countryside along the upper Danube, then continues over the Rhine-Main plain of Germany before crossing the English Channel coastline near Kent.