London to Helsinki flight pathLGWHEL

Sit on the left 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 55m
Distance1,155
Heading047° → 068°
Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 2.5 left·★ 2.0 right

While the route is mostly flat plains and open water, the left side offers glimpses of Danish islands, the southern Swedish coast, and the scenic Helsinki archipelago on approach, giving it a slight edge over the right side's more uniform continental farmland views.

Flown LGW to HEL? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

London to Helsinki is 1,155 miles (1,858 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.

North Sea, Danish straits and islands, southern Baltic Sea, Åland archipelago

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (right side) — London skyline, Thames Estuary, North Downs, Kent countryside

Takeoff from LGW

RIGHT

Departing Gatwick on runway 26, the aircraft climbs west then turns north-east, banking so the right side briefly reveals London's skyline and the Thames estuary before leveling out over Kent.

London skylineThames EstuaryNorth DownsKent countryside
LGW GatwickHub for easyJet, British Airways, Norwegian Air Shuttle
Aerial window seat view during landing at Helsinki (left side) — Helsinki archipelago, Gulf of Finland, Suomenlinna fortress islands, Helsinki harbor

Landing at HEL

LEFT

On approach to Helsinki-Vantaa from the northeast, arrivals descend over the Gulf of Finland's rocky archipelago before turning to land toward the southwest, giving left-side passengers views of Helsinki's coastal islands and harbor.

Helsinki archipelagoGulf of FinlandSuomenlinna fortress islandsHelsinki harbor
HEL Helsinki VantaaHub for Finnair

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Helsinki. While the route is mostly flat plains and open water, the left side offers glimpses of Danish islands, the southern Swedish coast, and the scenic Helsinki archipelago on approach, giving it a slight edge over the right side's more uniform continental farmland 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. Departing Gatwick on runway 26, the aircraft climbs west then turns north-east, banking so the right side briefly reveals London's skyline and the Thames estuary before leveling out over Kent. Notable sights include: London skyline, Thames Estuary, North Downs, Kent countryside.

What can I see when landing at Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?

When landing at Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Helsinki-Vantaa from the northeast, arrivals descend over the Gulf of Finland's rocky archipelago before turning to land toward the southwest, giving left-side passengers views of Helsinki's coastal islands and harbor. Notable sights include: Helsinki archipelago, Gulf of Finland, Suomenlinna fortress islands, Helsinki harbor.

How long is the flight from London to Helsinki?

The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,155 miles (1,858 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Helsinki flight path pass over?

North Sea, Danish straits and islands, southern Baltic Sea, Åland archipelago