Los Angeles to Moscow is 6,063 miles (9,757 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The right side captures the more dramatic terrain overall — the LA mountain backdrop at departure and the forested, water-dotted approach into Moscow — while the left side spends much of the flight over open ocean and Arctic ice with fewer distinct features.
Flight Path
Route crosses the Canadian Rockies, Hudson Bay, the Greenland ice sheet, and the Norwegian Sea before descending over Scandinavia and western Russia toward Moscow.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTDeparting LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs over Santa Monica Bay and then banks north-northeast toward the polar route, putting the San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, and the LA basin skyline on the right side. The left side mostly sees a quick fade of the Pacific before the turn inland.
Landing at SVO
RIGHTOn approach to SVO in the common 24 configuration, aircraft descend from the northeast, and the final turn onto the runway often exposes the birch and pine forests and reservoirs north of Moscow before the city's outskirts appear on the right. The left side mostly faces open agricultural land with fewer distinguishing features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Sheremetyevo (SVO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Moscow. The right side captures the more dramatic terrain overall — the LA mountain backdrop at departure and the forested, water-dotted approach into Moscow — while the left side spends much of the flight over open ocean and Arctic ice with fewer distinct features.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs over Santa Monica Bay and then banks north-northeast toward the polar route, putting the San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, and the LA basin skyline on the right side. The left side mostly sees a quick fade of the Pacific before the turn inland. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Downtown LA skyline, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
What can I see when landing at Sheremetyevo in Moscow?
When landing at Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to SVO in the common 24 configuration, aircraft descend from the northeast, and the final turn onto the runway often exposes the birch and pine forests and reservoirs north of Moscow before the city's outskirts appear on the right. The left side mostly faces open agricultural land with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Klyazma Reservoir, Moscow's northern forested suburbs, Sheremetyevo terminal complex, Moscow Canal.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Moscow?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Sheremetyevo (SVO) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,063 miles (9,757 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Moscow flight path pass over?
Route crosses the Canadian Rockies, Hudson Bay, the Greenland ice sheet, and the Norwegian Sea before descending over Scandinavia and western Russia toward Moscow.