The left side combines a strong arrival sequence—Windsor Castle, the Thames, and a distant London skyline—with occasional North Sea coastline glimpses during cruise, giving it slightly more sustained visual interest than the shorter, though vivid, Edinburgh departure view on the right.
Flight Path
The route runs down the eastern side of England, passing near Northumberland and County Durham, over the Yorkshire countryside near York, and across the flat farmland of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire before descending toward London; the Pennine hills are visible far to the west for much of the cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
RIGHTDeparting on runway 24, the aircraft climbs southwest before turning back toward London, which brings Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth's three famous bridges into view on the right side. It's a brief but distinctive burst of scenery right at the start of the flight.
Landing at LHR
LEFTOn the standard westerly approach into Heathrow, the descent path passes just north of Windsor, putting Windsor Castle and the River Thames squarely in view on the left side. Passengers also catch glimpses of London's skyline further back before the final turn onto the runway.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to London. The left side combines a strong arrival sequence—Windsor Castle, the Thames, and a distant London skyline—with occasional North Sea coastline glimpses during cruise, giving it slightly more sustained visual interest than the shorter, though vivid, Edinburgh departure view on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 24, the aircraft climbs southwest before turning back toward London, which brings Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth's three famous bridges into view on the right side. It's a brief but distinctive burst of scenery right at the start of the flight. Notable sights include: Edinburgh Castle, Firth of Forth with the rail/road/Queensferry bridges, Arthur's Seat, Pentland Hills.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the standard westerly approach into Heathrow, the descent path passes just north of Windsor, putting Windsor Castle and the River Thames squarely in view on the left side. Passengers also catch glimpses of London's skyline further back before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, River Thames, Staines Reservoirs, distant Canary Wharf/Shard skyline.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to London?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 1h 20m.
What does the Edinburgh to London flight path pass over?
The route runs down the eastern side of England, passing near Northumberland and County Durham, over the Yorkshire countryside near York, and across the flat farmland of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire before descending toward London; the Pennine hills are visible far to the west for much of the cruise.