Left side wins both ends of this short flight. The takeoff delivers Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains, and the landing approach over central London with the Thames is exceptional. Over Wales and the Midlands at cruise altitude the views are pleasant but less dramatic on either side.
Flown DUB to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dublin to London is 279 miles (449 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The flight crosses the Irish Sea, passing near the Lleyn Peninsula and Snowdonia in north Wales (visible as a dark upland mass to the south on clear days), then tracks over the English Midlands — a patchwork of agricultural land and urban areas including Birmingham's conurbation — before descending into the Thames Valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUB
LEFTDublin typically departs eastward on runway 28/10, and climbing out to the east on a left-side seat gives you a clear view back over Dublin Bay, the Liffey estuary, and the Wicklow Mountains to the south. The city centre and port are clearly laid out below before the aircraft turns southeast toward Wales.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow most commonly lands westbound on runways 27L/27R, meaning the approach is from the east over central London. A left-side seat on this approach tracks directly over the Thames, the City of London, and central London landmarks before touching down. This is one of the most spectacular urban approaches in Europe.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dublin (DUB) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dublin to London. Left side wins both ends of this short flight. The takeoff delivers Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains, and the landing approach over central London with the Thames is exceptional. Over Wales and the Midlands at cruise altitude the views are pleasant but less dramatic on either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Dublin in Dublin?
During takeoff from Dublin (DUB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dublin typically departs eastward on runway 28/10, and climbing out to the east on a left-side seat gives you a clear view back over Dublin Bay, the Liffey estuary, and the Wicklow Mountains to the south. The city centre and port are clearly laid out below before the aircraft turns southeast toward Wales. Notable sights include: Dublin Bay and Poolbeg Peninsula, the Wicklow Mountains, Dublin city centre and the Liffey, Howth Head promontory.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow most commonly lands westbound on runways 27L/27R, meaning the approach is from the east over central London. A left-side seat on this approach tracks directly over the Thames, the City of London, and central London landmarks before touching down. This is one of the most spectacular urban approaches in Europe. Notable sights include: River Thames and its meanders through central London, the City of London skyline, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, the M25 motorway ring.
How long is the flight from Dublin to London?
The flight from Dublin (DUB) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 279 miles (449 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dublin to London flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Irish Sea, passing near the Lleyn Peninsula and Snowdonia in north Wales (visible as a dark upland mass to the south on clear days), then tracks over the English Midlands — a patchwork of agricultural land and urban areas including Birmingham's conurbation — before descending into the Thames Valley.