London to Bilbao flight pathLGWBIO

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 time2h 05m
Distance557
Heading194° → 192°
Best side
Right
★ 2.0 left·★ 3.5 right

The right side offers the more consistent scenic payoff, combining the English south coast on departure with the dramatic Basque coastline and Cantabrian foothills on arrival into Bilbao's valley airport.

Flown LGW to BIO? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

London to Bilbao is 557 miles (896 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.

Open waters of the Bay of Biscay, with the French Atlantic coastline near Bordeaux and the Landes forest visible briefly before the long overwater stretch to northern Spain

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (right side) — South Downs, Isle of Wight, Solent estuary, English Channel coastline

Takeoff from LGW

RIGHT

Departing Gatwick westbound then turning south, the right-side window faces the Sussex coast and the English Channel, giving glimpses of the Solent, Isle of Wight, and the chalk cliffs near Beachy Head as the aircraft climbs over southern England.

South DownsIsle of WightSolent estuaryEnglish Channel coastline
LGW GatwickHub for easyJet, British Airways, Norwegian Air Shuttle

Landing at BIO

RIGHT

On approach to Bilbao's runway 30, the aircraft descends from the north over the Bay of Biscay, and the right side reveals the rugged Basque coastline, the Nervión estuary, and the green Cantabrian foothills that ring the airport valley.

Bay of Biscay coastlineNervión estuaryCantabrian foothillsBilbao's green valley terrain
BIO BilbaoHub for Vueling

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Bilbao (BIO)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Bilbao. The right side offers the more consistent scenic payoff, combining the English south coast on departure with the dramatic Basque coastline and Cantabrian foothills on arrival into Bilbao's valley airport.

What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?

During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Gatwick westbound then turning south, the right-side window faces the Sussex coast and the English Channel, giving glimpses of the Solent, Isle of Wight, and the chalk cliffs near Beachy Head as the aircraft climbs over southern England. Notable sights include: South Downs, Isle of Wight, Solent estuary, English Channel coastline.

What can I see when landing at Bilbao in Bilbao?

When landing at Bilbao (BIO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Bilbao's runway 30, the aircraft descends from the north over the Bay of Biscay, and the right side reveals the rugged Basque coastline, the Nervión estuary, and the green Cantabrian foothills that ring the airport valley. Notable sights include: Bay of Biscay coastline, Nervión estuary, Cantabrian foothills, Bilbao's green valley terrain.

How long is the flight from London to Bilbao?

The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Bilbao (BIO) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 557 miles (896 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Bilbao flight path pass over?

Open waters of the Bay of Biscay, with the French Atlantic coastline near Bordeaux and the Landes forest visible briefly before the long overwater stretch to northern Spain