While left offers excellent Rome departure views, right provides superior scenery for the longer descent phase into Gatwick. The North Downs, Weald farmland, and Thames valley are more visually striking and occupy more of the flight duration than the initial climb-out.
Flown CIA to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rome to London is 885 miles (1,424 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the English Channel (typically visible as a narrow water body separating the French coast from the English coast around 45 minutes into flight), the Normandy coastline and bocage landscape, and the Cotswolds or Chiltern Hills before descending toward the Thames valley and Gatwick approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CIA
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Alban Hills and the Tiber River valley as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Ciampino. You'll see the distinctive volcanic crater lakes and Rome's urban sprawl receding below.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during descent into Gatwick. You'll see the North Downs, the Weald's patchwork farmland, and the Thames valley as the aircraft descends from the southeast. The Surrey and Sussex countryside is visually distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ciampino (CIA) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rome to London. While left offers excellent Rome departure views, right provides superior scenery for the longer descent phase into Gatwick. The North Downs, Weald farmland, and Thames valley are more visually striking and occupy more of the flight duration than the initial climb-out.
What can I see during takeoff from Ciampino in Rome?
During takeoff from Ciampino (CIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Alban Hills and the Tiber River valley as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Ciampino. You'll see the distinctive volcanic crater lakes and Rome's urban sprawl receding below. Notable sights include: Alban Hills (Castelli Romani), Tiber River valley, Rome city center, Lake Albano.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during descent into Gatwick. You'll see the North Downs, the Weald's patchwork farmland, and the Thames valley as the aircraft descends from the southeast. The Surrey and Sussex countryside is visually distinctive. Notable sights include: North Downs, The Weald (agricultural patchwork), Thames River valley, South London urban area.
How long is the flight from Rome to London?
The flight from Ciampino (CIA) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 885 miles (1,424 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rome to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel (typically visible as a narrow water body separating the French coast from the English coast around 45 minutes into flight), the Normandy coastline and bocage landscape, and the Cotswolds or Chiltern Hills before descending toward the Thames valley and Gatwick approach.