While takeoff offers decent views, the landing approach into Melbourne provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges create a more compelling visual experience than Hokkaido's relatively subtle topography during departure.
Flown CTS to MEB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sapporo to Melbourne is 5,566 miles (8,957 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
This ultra-long-range route crosses the East China Sea, passes near or over Taiwan's northern tip (depending on exact routing), crosses the Philippine Sea, and passes east of the Philippines. At cruise altitude (35,000+ feet), the curvature of Earth becomes apparent. Midpoint views are primarily open ocean with occasional cloud formations. The route then transitions over the Coral Sea and approaches Australia from the northeast, with the Great Barrier Reef region and Queensland coastline visible during the final descent phase if weather permits.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CTS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Hokkaido's volcanic landscape immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southeast from CTS, giving right-side passengers clear sightlines to the Ishikari Plain and surrounding terrain.
Landing at MEB
LEFTLeft-side seats provide superior views during approach to Melbourne. The standard descent path brings aircraft in from the northwest, and left-side passengers see Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and Melbourne's urban sprawl clearly before touchdown.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sapporo to Melbourne. While takeoff offers decent views, the landing approach into Melbourne provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges create a more compelling visual experience than Hokkaido's relatively subtle topography during departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
During takeoff from Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Hokkaido's volcanic landscape immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southeast from CTS, giving right-side passengers clear sightlines to the Ishikari Plain and surrounding terrain. Notable sights include: Ishikari Plain (agricultural flatlands), Maruyama area (forested hills south of Sapporo), Tenei Lake (visible on clear days), Sea of Japan coastline to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide superior views during approach to Melbourne. The standard descent path brings aircraft in from the northwest, and left-side passengers see Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and Melbourne's urban sprawl clearly before touchdown. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (large enclosed bay), Dandenong Ranges (forested hills southeast of city), Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River delta.
How long is the flight from Sapporo to Melbourne?
The flight from Chitose International Airport (CTS) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,566 miles (8,957 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sapporo to Melbourne flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-range route crosses the East China Sea, passes near or over Taiwan's northern tip (depending on exact routing), crosses the Philippine Sea, and passes east of the Philippines. At cruise altitude (35,000+ feet), the curvature of Earth becomes apparent. Midpoint views are primarily open ocean with occasional cloud formations. The route then transitions over the Coral Sea and approaches Australia from the northeast, with the Great Barrier Reef region and Queensland coastline visible during the final descent phase if weather permits.