London to Belfast is 337 miles (542 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
While the right side wins a brief London glimpse at takeoff, the left side accumulates more scenic value overall through the cruise phase near Snowdonia, the Lake District fells, and the Isle of Man, culminating in a strong visual approach over Belfast Lough with the city and Cave Hill on landing.
Flight Path
Snowdonia's mountain peaks in North Wales, the Lake District fells around Scafell Pike, the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, and the Antrim coastline as the route approaches Belfast Lough
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick sits almost due south of London, so as the aircraft climbs out on runway 26 and banks right onto its northbound routing, passengers on the right side get a brief but genuine view back over the North Downs toward the London skyline. The left side mostly shows the flatter Sussex/Surrey countryside with less to distinguish it.
Landing at BHD
LEFTApproaching George Best Belfast City Airport on runway 22, the aircraft descends over Belfast Lough from the northeast, and the left side offers a sweeping view of the city itself, including the docks and the Belfast hills rising behind it. The right side mainly faces open water and the Antrim shoreline, which is less visually rich.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to City (BHD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Belfast. While the right side wins a brief London glimpse at takeoff, the left side accumulates more scenic value overall through the cruise phase near Snowdonia, the Lake District fells, and the Isle of Man, culminating in a strong visual approach over Belfast Lough with the city and Cave Hill on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick sits almost due south of London, so as the aircraft climbs out on runway 26 and banks right onto its northbound routing, passengers on the right side get a brief but genuine view back over the North Downs toward the London skyline. The left side mostly shows the flatter Sussex/Surrey countryside with less to distinguish it. Notable sights include: North Downs, Surrey countryside, distant London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf), River Thames.
What can I see when landing at City in Belfast?
When landing at City (BHD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching George Best Belfast City Airport on runway 22, the aircraft descends over Belfast Lough from the northeast, and the left side offers a sweeping view of the city itself, including the docks and the Belfast hills rising behind it. The right side mainly faces open water and the Antrim shoreline, which is less visually rich. Notable sights include: Belfast Lough, Cave Hill, Belfast city center, Harland & Wolff shipyard cranes (Samson and Goliath).
How long is the flight from London to Belfast?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to City (BHD) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 337 miles (542 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Belfast flight path pass over?
Snowdonia's mountain peaks in North Wales, the Lake District fells around Scafell Pike, the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, and the Antrim coastline as the route approaches Belfast Lough