The right side offers a more varied experience overall: a coastal glimpse at takeoff, a chance to see the Alps during cruise as the route curves over eastern France and into northern Italy, and a scenic coastal approach into Fiumicino, compared to the left side's more monotonous inland views.
Flown LGW to FCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Rome is 873 miles (1,406 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Route passes over eastern France and the western edge of the Alps near the Franco-Swiss border, then continues down over the Po Valley and the Apennine foothills of Tuscany before descending into Lazio.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's typical westbound departure (runway 26) banks the aircraft south over the Sussex Weald before turning toward France, giving right-side passengers a last look at the North Downs and the English Channel coastline near Brighton as the plane climbs out.
Landing at FCO
RIGHTArrivals into FCO from the north typically fly down over Lazio's countryside before turning onto final approach for runway 34 or 16, and on this alignment the Tyrrhenian coastline and Rome's western suburbs become visible off the right side just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Fiumicino (FCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Rome. The right side offers a more varied experience overall: a coastal glimpse at takeoff, a chance to see the Alps during cruise as the route curves over eastern France and into northern Italy, and a scenic coastal approach into Fiumicino, compared to the left side's more monotonous inland views.
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's typical westbound departure (runway 26) banks the aircraft south over the Sussex Weald before turning toward France, giving right-side passengers a last look at the North Downs and the English Channel coastline near Brighton as the plane climbs out. Notable sights include: Sussex Weald, South Downs, English Channel coast near Brighton.
What can I see when landing at Fiumicino in Rome?
When landing at Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into FCO from the north typically fly down over Lazio's countryside before turning onto final approach for runway 34 or 16, and on this alignment the Tyrrhenian coastline and Rome's western suburbs become visible off the right side just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, Fiumicino harbor, Lazio countryside, distant Roman suburbs.
How long is the flight from London to Rome?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Fiumicino (FCO) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 873 miles (1,406 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Rome flight path pass over?
Route passes over eastern France and the western edge of the Alps near the Franco-Swiss border, then continues down over the Po Valley and the Apennine foothills of Tuscany before descending into Lazio.