London to Bucharest is 1,292 miles (2,080 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
While left offers good takeoff views over southern England, right seats dominate the flight overall due to superior descent scenery over the Danube floodplain and Bucharest approach—the most visually distinctive portion of this route.
Flight Path
English Channel, northern France (Seine Valley and Île-de-France region), Belgian and Dutch lowlands, Rhine Valley, German Rhineland, Ardennes plateau, Luxembourg, Moselle Valley, Saar region, Upper Rhine Plain, Alsace, Swiss Jura foothills, Alpine passes (distant), Bavarian plateau, Austrian Danube Valley, Slovak Carpathian foothills, Hungarian Plain, Danube River and its major bends approaching Romania
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the North Downs and the Thames Valley as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Gatwick. You'll see the patchwork of Surrey farmland and the river's meandering course before heading across the Channel.
Landing at OTP
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during the descent into Bucharest. You'll see the Danube River and its floodplain as the aircraft approaches from the west, followed by the city sprawl and surrounding Wallachian Plain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Otopeni (OTP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Bucharest. While left offers good takeoff views over southern England, right seats dominate the flight overall due to superior descent scenery over the Danube floodplain and Bucharest approach—the most visually distinctive portion of this route.
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 seats offer views of the North Downs and the Thames Valley as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Gatwick. You'll see the patchwork of Surrey farmland and the river's meandering course before heading across the Channel. Notable sights include: Thames Valley, North Downs, English Channel coastline, Surrey countryside.
What can I see when landing at Otopeni in Bucharest?
When landing at Otopeni (OTP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during the descent into Bucharest. You'll see the Danube River and its floodplain as the aircraft approaches from the west, followed by the city sprawl and surrounding Wallachian Plain. Notable sights include: Danube River and floodplain, Wallachian Plain, Bucharest city sprawl, Carpathian Mountains (distant).
How long is the flight from London to Bucharest?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Otopeni (OTP) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,292 miles (2,080 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Bucharest flight path pass over?
English Channel, northern France (Seine Valley and Île-de-France region), Belgian and Dutch lowlands, Rhine Valley, German Rhineland, Ardennes plateau, Luxembourg, Moselle Valley, Saar region, Upper Rhine Plain, Alsace, Swiss Jura foothills, Alpine passes (distant), Bavarian plateau, Austrian Danube Valley, Slovak Carpathian foothills, Hungarian Plain, Danube River and its major bends approaching Romania