While takeoff offers Thames views, the landing approach into Belfast provides more dramatic and varied scenery with Lough Neagh, the Antrim Plateau, and mountain views. Left seats capture the most distinctive features of the destination.
Flown LHR to BFS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Belfast is 325 miles (523 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses Wales, passing over the Pennines and Irish Sea. Notable features include the Welsh valleys and moorland (visible from both sides during the westbound leg), the Irish Sea crossing (featureless water), and the approach to Northern Ireland over the Antrim coast and surrounding lowlands. The Pennines appear as a low ridge in the midpoint of the flight when heading northwest across England.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwest. You'll see the distinctive meanders of the Thames and the Greater London conurbation spreading below before heading toward Wales.
Landing at BFS
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Belfast. You'll see Lough Neagh (the UK's largest freshwater lake) and the surrounding Northern Irish landscape, including the Sperrin Mountains to the west and the Antrim Plateau.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Aldergrove (BFS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Belfast. While takeoff offers Thames views, the landing approach into Belfast provides more dramatic and varied scenery with Lough Neagh, the Antrim Plateau, and mountain views. Left seats capture the most distinctive features of the destination.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwest. You'll see the distinctive meanders of the Thames and the Greater London conurbation spreading below before heading toward Wales. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Greater London urban area, Windsor Castle area (visible as a small landmark on the horizon), Chiltern Hills to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Aldergrove in Belfast?
When landing at Aldergrove (BFS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Belfast. You'll see Lough Neagh (the UK's largest freshwater lake) and the surrounding Northern Irish landscape, including the Sperrin Mountains to the west and the Antrim Plateau. Notable sights include: Lough Neagh, Sperrin Mountains, Antrim Plateau, Belfast Lough and city approach.
How long is the flight from London to Belfast?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Aldergrove (BFS) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 325 miles (523 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Belfast flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Wales, passing over the Pennines and Irish Sea. Notable features include the Welsh valleys and moorland (visible from both sides during the westbound leg), the Irish Sea crossing (featureless water), and the approach to Northern Ireland over the Antrim coast and surrounding lowlands. The Pennines appear as a low ridge in the midpoint of the flight when heading northwest across England.