While takeoff offers some interest on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Blue Mountains and Nepean River valley. The approach phase offers superior scenic value for the majority of passengers.
Flown GRR to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Grand Rapids to Sydney is 9,365 miles (15,071 km), a flight of about 16 hours 15 minutes.
This ultra-long-haul flight crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 8,000 nautical miles. The midpoint occurs over the central Pacific roughly 1,500-2,000 miles northeast of Hawaii. Notable features include: the North American coastline (California/Oregon) during departure phase; the Pacific Ocean with occasional cloud formations and weather systems; Hawaii islands visible from altitude if passing nearby; the International Date Line crossing; and the approach to Australia includes the Great Dividing Range visible from the west before descent into Sydney.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from GRR
RIGHTRight side offers views of Lake Michigan and the eastern Michigan shoreline during the initial climb-out. The lake's expanse and surrounding terrain provide the most distinctive visual reference during departure from GRR.
Landing at SYD
LEFTLeft side during approach to Sydney provides views of the Blue Mountains to the west and the Nepean River valley. As the aircraft descends toward Kingsford Smith, the left side captures the dramatic escarpment terrain and western approaches to Sydney.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gerald R Ford International (GRR) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Grand Rapids to Sydney. While takeoff offers some interest on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Blue Mountains and Nepean River valley. The approach phase offers superior scenic value for the majority of passengers.
What can I see during takeoff from Gerald R Ford International in Grand Rapids?
During takeoff from Gerald R Ford International (GRR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Lake Michigan and the eastern Michigan shoreline during the initial climb-out. The lake's expanse and surrounding terrain provide the most distinctive visual reference during departure from GRR. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Michigan shoreline, Grand River valley, agricultural plains of west Michigan.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side during approach to Sydney provides views of the Blue Mountains to the west and the Nepean River valley. As the aircraft descends toward Kingsford Smith, the left side captures the dramatic escarpment terrain and western approaches to Sydney. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains, Nepean River, Sydney Harbour approaches, Parramatta valley.
How long is the flight from Grand Rapids to Sydney?
The flight from Gerald R Ford International (GRR) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 16 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,365 miles (15,071 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Grand Rapids to Sydney flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-haul flight crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 8,000 nautical miles. The midpoint occurs over the central Pacific roughly 1,500-2,000 miles northeast of Hawaii. Notable features include: the North American coastline (California/Oregon) during departure phase; the Pacific Ocean with occasional cloud formations and weather systems; Hawaii islands visible from altitude if passing nearby; the International Date Line crossing; and the approach to Australia includes the Great Dividing Range visible from the west before descent into Sydney.