While both sides score equally low due to the flight's short duration (15 minutes) and flat terrain over suburban London, the right side edges ahead with the Thames valley and Windsor area visible during landing approach, providing slightly more geographic interest than the left side's North Downs departure views.
Flown LGW to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Gatwick to Heathrow is 25 miles (41 km), a flight of about 15 minutes.
This 15-minute flight between London's two major airports crosses the suburban belt south and west of central London. The route typically follows the Thames valley corridor, passing over Croydon, Epsom, and the Runnymede area. No significant mountains, coastlines, or dramatic terrain features exist along this route—the entire flight path traverses the flat to gently rolling Surrey and Berkshire countryside with extensive suburban development.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTLeft side offers views of South London suburbs and the North Downs ridge during climb-out from Gatwick's southern runway orientation. Right side faces northwest toward built-up areas with less topographic interest.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTRight side during approach to Heathrow captures views of the Thames valley, Windsor area, and the final approach corridor over suburban west London. Left side faces toward Slough and industrial areas with minimal scenic value.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to London. While both sides score equally low due to the flight's short duration (15 minutes) and flat terrain over suburban London, the right side edges ahead with the Thames valley and Windsor area visible during landing approach, providing slightly more geographic interest than the left side's North Downs departure views.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of South London suburbs and the North Downs ridge during climb-out from Gatwick's southern runway orientation. Right side faces northwest toward built-up areas with less topographic interest. Notable sights include: North Downs escarpment, Croydon urban sprawl, Reigate area hills.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side during approach to Heathrow captures views of the Thames valley, Windsor area, and the final approach corridor over suburban west London. Left side faces toward Slough and industrial areas with minimal scenic value. Notable sights include: River Thames meanders, Windsor Castle area, Heathrow's runway complex, suburban London grid.
How long is the flight from London to London?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 25 miles (41 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to London flight path pass over?
This 15-minute flight between London's two major airports crosses the suburban belt south and west of central London. The route typically follows the Thames valley corridor, passing over Croydon, Epsom, and the Runnymede area. No significant mountains, coastlines, or dramatic terrain features exist along this route—the entire flight path traverses the flat to gently rolling Surrey and Berkshire countryside with extensive suburban development.