London to Belfast flight pathLHRBHD

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 20m
Distance313
Heading316° → 312°

London to Belfast is 313 miles (503 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Best side
RightMostly right
★ 2.5 left·★ 3.0 right

The right side combines a genuinely scenic Belfast Lough approach with Cave Hill and the city's shipyard cranes, plus a chance of Cumbrian coastline during cruise, edging out the left side's strong but brief Windsor Castle moment at takeoff.

Takeoff · LHRLEFTWindsor Castle, Windsor Great Park, River Thames at Runnymede
Landing · BHDRIGHTBelfast Lough, Cave Hill, Harland & Wolff cranes

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Irish Sea crossing with the Isle of Man often visible below, and on clear days the Lake District fells or North Wales coastline in the distance depending on routing

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (left side) — Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park, River Thames at Runnymede, Staines reservoirs

Takeoff from LHR

LEFT

Westerly departures from Heathrow climb out directly over Windsor, putting Windsor Castle, its Great Park, and the looping Thames at Runnymede right below on the left side. The right side only shows featureless west London suburbs during the same climb.

Windsor CastleWindsor Great ParkRiver Thames at RunnymedeStaines reservoirs

Landing at BHD

RIGHT

On the typical runway 22 approach, the aircraft tracks southwest down Belfast Lough, putting the city, the docks, and Cave Hill on the right side of the cabin. The left side faces the open water and the quieter County Down shoreline near Holywood and Bangor.

Belfast LoughCave HillHarland & Wolff cranesBelfast city skyline

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to City (BHD)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Belfast. The right side combines a genuinely scenic Belfast Lough approach with Cave Hill and the city's shipyard cranes, plus a chance of Cumbrian coastline during cruise, edging out the left side's strong but brief Windsor Castle moment at takeoff.

What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?

During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Westerly departures from Heathrow climb out directly over Windsor, putting Windsor Castle, its Great Park, and the looping Thames at Runnymede right below on the left side. The right side only shows featureless west London suburbs during the same climb. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park, River Thames at Runnymede, Staines reservoirs.

What can I see when landing at City in Belfast?

When landing at City (BHD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical runway 22 approach, the aircraft tracks southwest down Belfast Lough, putting the city, the docks, and Cave Hill on the right side of the cabin. The left side faces the open water and the quieter County Down shoreline near Holywood and Bangor. Notable sights include: Belfast Lough, Cave Hill, Harland & Wolff cranes (Samson and Goliath), Belfast city skyline.

How long is the flight from London to Belfast?

The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to City (BHD) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 313 miles (503 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Belfast flight path pass over?

Irish Sea crossing with the Isle of Man often visible below, and on clear days the Lake District fells or North Wales coastline in the distance depending on routing