Both sides offer a strong city view during one phase of flight, but the right side's slow multi-minute pass over central London's dense, instantly recognizable landmarks during descent edges out the brief Manhattan glimpse on departure, especially since the mid-Atlantic cruise is featureless ocean on either side.
Flight Path
Newark to London is 3,456 miles (5,562 km), a flight of about 6 hours 50 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean along a great-circle track passing south of Newfoundland's Grand Banks and well south of Greenland's southern tip; no land is visible at cruising altitude during this stretch.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTEWR eastbound departures typically climb out on runway 4, banking the aircraft so the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River unfold on the left side before the turn out over Long Island Sound. The right side mostly shows flat New Jersey suburbs and Raritan Bay, which is far less dramatic.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn the standard easterly approach into Heathrow's runway 27, the descent path tracks roughly along the Thames corridor, putting Canary Wharf's towers, the river's loops, and the City of London skyline into view on the right side of the cabin for several minutes. The left side mainly shows residential south London suburbs until Windsor appears very late and briefly.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to London. Both sides offer a strong city view during one phase of flight, but the right side's slow multi-minute pass over central London's dense, instantly recognizable landmarks during descent edges out the brief Manhattan glimpse on departure, especially since the mid-Atlantic cruise is featureless ocean on either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR eastbound departures typically climb out on runway 4, banking the aircraft so the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River unfold on the left side before the turn out over Long Island Sound. The right side mostly shows flat New Jersey suburbs and Raritan Bay, which is far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty (distant), Long Island Sound.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the standard easterly approach into Heathrow's runway 27, the descent path tracks roughly along the Thames corridor, putting Canary Wharf's towers, the river's loops, and the City of London skyline into view on the right side of the cabin for several minutes. The left side mainly shows residential south London suburbs until Windsor appears very late and briefly. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, The Shard and Tower Bridge, London Eye and Houses of Parliament.
How long is the flight from Newark to London?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 6 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,456 miles (5,562 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to London flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean along a great-circle track passing south of Newfoundland's Grand Banks and well south of Greenland's southern tip; no land is visible at cruising altitude during this stretch.