While the takeoff offers brief interest over the Øresund Strait on the right, the landing approach into Melbourne on the left provides far more dramatic and extended scenery—Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and the sprawling city are all visually compelling. Left seat wins overall for the longer, more rewarding viewing experience.
Flown CPH to MEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Copenhagen to Melbourne is 9,919 miles (15,963 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Middle East (Persian Gulf, Oman), Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. Typical routing passes over Iran or southern Afghanistan, then descends toward the Arabian Peninsula. The flight crosses the Indian subcontinent's southern tip (visible: Western Ghats mountains, Indian coastline), then traverses the Indian Ocean for roughly 8-10 hours with no major landmarks—only open ocean. As the aircraft approaches Australia, the Timor Sea and Arafura Sea are crossed, followed by the Australian interior (sparse, flat terrain with minimal visible features). The final approach into Melbourne crosses the southeastern Australian coast and Port Phillip Bay.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CPH
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Øresund Strait and the Swedish coastline as the aircraft climbs out over the water. You'll see the distinctive narrow strait separating Denmark from Sweden, with Malmö visible on the far shore.
Landing at MEL
LEFTLeft side provides the best views during approach into Melbourne. You'll see Port Phillip Bay's distinctive shape, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the city's sprawl across the flat plains before final descent into Tullamarine.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kastrup (CPH) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Copenhagen to Melbourne. While the takeoff offers brief interest over the Øresund Strait on the right, the landing approach into Melbourne on the left provides far more dramatic and extended scenery—Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and the sprawling city are all visually compelling. Left seat wins overall for the longer, more rewarding viewing experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Kastrup in Copenhagen?
During takeoff from Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Øresund Strait and the Swedish coastline as the aircraft climbs out over the water. You'll see the distinctive narrow strait separating Denmark from Sweden, with Malmö visible on the far shore. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait, Swedish coast near Malmö, Copenhagen city grid receding below, Amager Island.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best views during approach into Melbourne. You'll see Port Phillip Bay's distinctive shape, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the city's sprawl across the flat plains before final descent into Tullamarine. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River bend.
How long is the flight from Copenhagen to Melbourne?
The flight from Kastrup (CPH) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,919 miles (15,963 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Copenhagen to Melbourne flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Middle East (Persian Gulf, Oman), Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. Typical routing passes over Iran or southern Afghanistan, then descends toward the Arabian Peninsula. The flight crosses the Indian subcontinent's southern tip (visible: Western Ghats mountains, Indian coastline), then traverses the Indian Ocean for roughly 8-10 hours with no major landmarks—only open ocean. As the aircraft approaches Australia, the Timor Sea and Arafura Sea are crossed, followed by the Australian interior (sparse, flat terrain with minimal visible features). The final approach into Melbourne crosses the southeastern Australian coast and Port Phillip Bay.