Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the short cruise at around 25,000 feet heading roughly south-southeast, the left side also keeps you oriented toward the west coast of England and the Peak District in the middle portion of the flight, while the right side faces the North Sea and then the English Channel coast — less interesting over this route.
Flown EDI to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to London is 357 miles (574 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly south over the Scottish Borders, then over Northumberland and County Durham, crossing the Pennines around Yorkshire, then over the East Midlands and Hertfordshire before descending into Gatwick. The Peak District and Yorkshire Dales are visible to the right (west) from the left seat at cruise altitude. The Humber estuary may be visible as a broad pale inlet to the east on clear days.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
LEFTEdinburgh typically departs on runway 06/24 or 12/30. On a southbound departure, a left-side seat gives you Edinburgh city centre, the Firth of Forth, and the Forth Bridges as the aircraft climbs and turns south. The right side faces inland toward the Pentland Hills with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at LGW
LEFTGatwick predominantly uses runway 08L/26R or 08R/26L, with approaches typically from the west or east. On the standard easterly ILS approach to runway 26R/26L, a left-side seat faces north toward central London, giving clear views of the Thames, the city skyline, and the North Downs. The right side looks south toward the relatively featureless Surrey/Sussex countryside.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to London. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the short cruise at around 25,000 feet heading roughly south-southeast, the left side also keeps you oriented toward the west coast of England and the Peak District in the middle portion of the flight, while the right side faces the North Sea and then the English Channel coast — less interesting over this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Edinburgh typically departs on runway 06/24 or 12/30. On a southbound departure, a left-side seat gives you Edinburgh city centre, the Firth of Forth, and the Forth Bridges as the aircraft climbs and turns south. The right side faces inland toward the Pentland Hills with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Forth Rail Bridge and Forth Road Bridge, Edinburgh Castle on its volcanic rock, Arthur's Seat, Firth of Forth estuary.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick predominantly uses runway 08L/26R or 08R/26L, with approaches typically from the west or east. On the standard easterly ILS approach to runway 26R/26L, a left-side seat faces north toward central London, giving clear views of the Thames, the city skyline, and the North Downs. The right side looks south toward the relatively featureless Surrey/Sussex countryside. Notable sights include: Thames river snaking through London, North Downs ridge, Crawley town below, M23 motorway corridor.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to London?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 357 miles (574 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to London flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south over the Scottish Borders, then over Northumberland and County Durham, crossing the Pennines around Yorkshire, then over the East Midlands and Hertfordshire before descending into Gatwick. The Peak District and Yorkshire Dales are visible to the right (west) from the left seat at cruise altitude. The Humber estuary may be visible as a broad pale inlet to the east on clear days.