Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the North Sea crossing the views are largely featureless water regardless of side, but the left seat delivers the better urban and geographic spectacle at both Gatwick departure and Hamburg arrival, making it the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown LGW to HAM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Hamburg is 461 miles (743 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The route crosses the Thames Estuary shortly after departure, then tracks northeast over East Anglia's flat agricultural landscape before crossing the southern North Sea. The Dutch and German Frisian Islands — Texel, Vlieland, and the West Frisian chain — may be visible as low sandy strips in the sea below. The route then crosses the flat North German Plain, with the Elbe and Weser river systems visible as broad meandering rivers cutting through agricultural lowland before Hamburg comes into view.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTGatwick's main departure runway 26L sends aircraft westward before turning northeast toward Hamburg. The left side picks up the North Downs escarpment and the sprawl of Greater London to the north as the aircraft climbs and banks. You get a clear view of the Thames corridor and central London landmarks as the route curves northeast.
Landing at HAM
LEFTHamburg Airport typically uses runway 23 for westerly approaches, meaning aircraft arrive from the northeast over the city. The left side gives views over the Alster lakes, Hamburg's inner city, and the Elbe river as the aircraft descends. The port and HafenCity waterfront are clearly visible on the left during final approach.
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 Gatwick (LGW) to Hamburg (HAM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Hamburg. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the North Sea crossing the views are largely featureless water regardless of side, but the left seat delivers the better urban and geographic spectacle at both Gatwick departure and Hamburg arrival, making it the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's main departure runway 26L sends aircraft westward before turning northeast toward Hamburg. The left side picks up the North Downs escarpment and the sprawl of Greater London to the north as the aircraft climbs and banks. You get a clear view of the Thames corridor and central London landmarks as the route curves northeast. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge, Thames river corridor, Greater London urban sprawl, Crawley town below.
What can I see when landing at Hamburg in Hamburg?
When landing at Hamburg (HAM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Hamburg Airport typically uses runway 23 for westerly approaches, meaning aircraft arrive from the northeast over the city. The left side gives views over the Alster lakes, Hamburg's inner city, and the Elbe river as the aircraft descends. The port and HafenCity waterfront are clearly visible on the left during final approach. Notable sights include: Alster lakes (Binnenalster and Aussenalster), Hamburg port and container terminals, Elbe river, HafenCity district.
How long is the flight from London to Hamburg?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Hamburg (HAM) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 461 miles (743 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Hamburg flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Thames Estuary shortly after departure, then tracks northeast over East Anglia's flat agricultural landscape before crossing the southern North Sea. The Dutch and German Frisian Islands — Texel, Vlieland, and the West Frisian chain — may be visible as low sandy strips in the sea below. The route then crosses the flat North German Plain, with the Elbe and Weser river systems visible as broad meandering rivers cutting through agricultural lowland before Hamburg comes into view.