While takeoff from Cardiff offers good Severn Estuary views on the right, the landing approach into Belfast on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—Lough Neagh, Cave Hill, and the Antrim landscape are visually distinctive and more rewarding for a full flight experience.
Flown CWL to BFS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cardiff to Belfast is 255 miles (410 km), a flight of about 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Irish Sea northwest from Cardiff. You'll pass over the Pembrokeshire coast (Wales) on the left during climb, then cross open water with occasional views of shipping traffic. As you approach Belfast from the south, the Mourne Mountains may be visible on the eastern horizon in clear conditions, and the Antrim coast becomes prominent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CWL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Severn Estuary and the Welsh coastline as you climb out northwestward from Cardiff. You'll see the tidal mudflats and the Second Severn Crossing (now the Prince of Wales Bridge) spanning into England.
Landing at BFS
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Belfast. You'll see Lough Neagh (the UK's largest freshwater lake) on your left as you approach from the south, followed by the Antrim Plateau and the city of Belfast nestled between the hills and the lough.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cardiff (CWL) to Aldergrove (BFS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cardiff to Belfast. While takeoff from Cardiff offers good Severn Estuary views on the right, the landing approach into Belfast on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—Lough Neagh, Cave Hill, and the Antrim landscape are visually distinctive and more rewarding for a full flight experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Cardiff in Cardiff?
During takeoff from Cardiff (CWL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Severn Estuary and the Welsh coastline as you climb out northwestward from Cardiff. You'll see the tidal mudflats and the Second Severn Crossing (now the Prince of Wales Bridge) spanning into England. Notable sights include: Severn Estuary, Prince of Wales Bridge, Bristol Channel, Glamorgan coastline.
What can I see when landing at Aldergrove in Belfast?
When landing at Aldergrove (BFS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Belfast. You'll see Lough Neagh (the UK's largest freshwater lake) on your left as you approach from the south, followed by the Antrim Plateau and the city of Belfast nestled between the hills and the lough. Notable sights include: Lough Neagh, Antrim Plateau, Belfast city, Cave Hill.
How long is the flight from Cardiff to Belfast?
The flight from Cardiff (CWL) to Aldergrove (BFS) takes about 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 255 miles (410 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cardiff to Belfast flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Irish Sea northwest from Cardiff. You'll pass over the Pembrokeshire coast (Wales) on the left during climb, then cross open water with occasional views of shipping traffic. As you approach Belfast from the south, the Mourne Mountains may be visible on the eastern horizon in clear conditions, and the Antrim coast becomes prominent.