Johannesburg to London flight pathHLALCY

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time11h 15m
Distance5,612
Heading343° → 335°
Best side
RightMostly right

While the takeoff offers decent Johannesburg views, the landing into London provides far superior scenery—the Thames estuary, Canary Wharf, and central London's iconic geography are genuinely spectacular and unmissable. Right side captures the most visually distinctive features of the destination.

Flown HLA to LCY? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Johannesburg to London is 5,612 miles (9,032 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.

Sahara Desert (southern Algeria and Mali), Atlas Mountains (Morocco/Algeria border), Mediterranean coastline (southern Spain and North Africa), Bay of Biscay, English Channel approach

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from HLA

LEFT

Left side offers views of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's northern suburbs during initial climb. The city sprawl and surrounding highveld plateau are clearly visible as you gain altitude heading northeast toward the departure corridor.

Johannesburg city center and northern suburbsWitwatersrand ridgePretoria skylineHighveld plateau
HLA LanseriaHub for FlySafair, Airlink

Landing at LCY

RIGHT

Right side provides excellent views of the Thames estuary, London's eastern approach, and the City of London district as you descend into Canary Wharf and City Airport. The river's distinctive meanders and the urban density of central London are striking from this angle.

Thames estuary and meandersCanary Wharf and Isle of DogsCity of London financial districtGreenwich and O2 Arena
LCY CityHub for British Airways CityFlyer

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 Lanseria (HLA) to City (LCY)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to London. While the takeoff offers decent Johannesburg views, the landing into London provides far superior scenery—the Thames estuary, Canary Wharf, and central London's iconic geography are genuinely spectacular and unmissable. Right side captures the most visually distinctive features of the destination.

What can I see during takeoff from Lanseria in Johannesburg?

During takeoff from Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's northern suburbs during initial climb. The city sprawl and surrounding highveld plateau are clearly visible as you gain altitude heading northeast toward the departure corridor. Notable sights include: Johannesburg city center and northern suburbs, Witwatersrand ridge, Pretoria skyline (distant northeast), Highveld plateau.

What can I see when landing at City in London?

When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Thames estuary, London's eastern approach, and the City of London district as you descend into Canary Wharf and City Airport. The river's distinctive meanders and the urban density of central London are striking from this angle. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and meanders, Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs, City of London financial district, Greenwich and O2 Arena.

How long is the flight from Johannesburg to London?

The flight from Lanseria (HLA) to City (LCY) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,612 miles (9,032 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Johannesburg to London flight path pass over?

Sahara Desert (southern Algeria and Mali), Atlas Mountains (Morocco/Algeria border), Mediterranean coastline (southern Spain and North Africa), Bay of Biscay, English Channel approach