The right side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the panorama over central Rome during climb-out, which is genuinely spectacular and unique. The landing view on the left at Gatwick is pleasant but relatively ordinary English countryside. Right side wins overall for the Rome departure alone.
Flown FCO to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rome to London is 873 miles (1,406 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
After Rome the route tracks northwest over Tuscany and the Apennines, then crosses the Alps near the Mont Blanc massif or the western Swiss Alps depending on routing, followed by a long transit over eastern France including the Rhône valley and Burgundy plateau, then the English Channel crossing near Dieppe or Boulogne before entering southern England over the Weald of Kent and Surrey
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FCO
RIGHTFCO typically departs on runway 16R/34L or 16L/34R. Northbound departures on runway 16 heading northwest give the right side a clear view over central Rome — the Tiber river bend, the Colosseum area, and Vatican Hill are all visible before the aircraft turns northwest. Left side faces the Tyrrhenian Sea coast.
Landing at LGW
LEFTGatwick predominantly uses runway 08L/26R or 08R/26L. Arrivals from the south on runway 08 approach from the southeast, giving the left side views over the North Downs, the Surrey Hills, and the urban sprawl of Crawley and Horley directly below on final approach. Right side faces open farmland to the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fiumicino (FCO) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rome to London. The right side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the panorama over central Rome during climb-out, which is genuinely spectacular and unique. The landing view on the left at Gatwick is pleasant but relatively ordinary English countryside. Right side wins overall for the Rome departure alone.
What can I see during takeoff from Fiumicino in Rome?
During takeoff from Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. FCO typically departs on runway 16R/34L or 16L/34R. Northbound departures on runway 16 heading northwest give the right side a clear view over central Rome — the Tiber river bend, the Colosseum area, and Vatican Hill are all visible before the aircraft turns northwest. Left side faces the Tyrrhenian Sea coast. Notable sights include: Tiber River snaking through Rome, Vatican City dome of St. Peter's Basilica, Colosseum and Roman Forum district, Castelli Romani hills southeast of the city.
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. Arrivals from the south on runway 08 approach from the southeast, giving the left side views over the North Downs, the Surrey Hills, and the urban sprawl of Crawley and Horley directly below on final approach. Right side faces open farmland to the north. Notable sights include: North Downs chalk ridge, M23 motorway corridor, Crawley town grid below on final approach, Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
How long is the flight from Rome to London?
The flight from Fiumicino (FCO) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 873 miles (1,406 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rome to London flight path pass over?
After Rome the route tracks northwest over Tuscany and the Apennines, then crosses the Alps near the Mont Blanc massif or the western Swiss Alps depending on routing, followed by a long transit over eastern France including the Rhône valley and Burgundy plateau, then the English Channel crossing near Dieppe or Boulogne before entering southern England over the Weald of Kent and Surrey