Right-side seats offer superior scenery on both legs: northbound views from London (Chilterns, Thames) and westbound views into Sydney (Blue Mountains, Harbour approach). The outbound climb-out is particularly rewarding.
Flown LHR to BWU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Sydney is 10,568 miles (17,007 km), a flight of about 17 hours 30 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Mediterranean (southern coast of Greece/Turkey visible on departure), Red Sea (narrow water body between Arabian Peninsula and Africa), Arabian Peninsula (vast desert plateau), Persian Gulf (if routing via Middle East), Indian Ocean (open water for 6-8 hours), Sunda Strait or Java Sea (Indonesian archipelago—volcanic peaks and island chains visible during daylight), then approaches Australia over the Tasman Sea. The most visually distinctive midpoint features are the Red Sea's narrow geometry, the Arabian Peninsula's desert vastness, and the Indonesian volcanic arc with its distinctive island formations.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow's primary runways (27L/27R) depart westbound. Right-side seats face north during climb-out, offering views of the Thames valley, London's northern suburbs, and the Chiltern Hills escarpment rising inland.
Landing at BWU
LEFTSydney Bankstown (BWU) is southwest of Sydney CBD. Approach typically comes from the east over the Tasman Sea or from the north. Left-side seats during descent offer views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains escarpment to the west, and the Cumberland Plain's urban sprawl.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Sydney. Right-side seats offer superior scenery on both legs: northbound views from London (Chilterns, Thames) and westbound views into Sydney (Blue Mountains, Harbour approach). The outbound climb-out is particularly rewarding.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow's primary runways (27L/27R) depart westbound. Right-side seats face north during climb-out, offering views of the Thames valley, London's northern suburbs, and the Chiltern Hills escarpment rising inland. Notable sights include: River Thames (meandering through West London), Chiltern Hills (chalk ridge visible 20-30 miles north), Greater London urban sprawl, Windsor Castle area (southwest, visible on clear days).
What can I see when landing at Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
When landing at Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sydney Bankstown (BWU) is southwest of Sydney CBD. Approach typically comes from the east over the Tasman Sea or from the north. Left-side seats during descent offer views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains escarpment to the west, and the Cumberland Plain's urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour (distinctive with multiple inlets and headlands), Blue Mountains (Great Dividing Range, visible as a ridge 50+ miles west), Parramatta River (tributary system), Cumberland Plain urban grid.
How long is the flight from London to Sydney?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU) takes about 17 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,568 miles (17,007 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Sydney flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Mediterranean (southern coast of Greece/Turkey visible on departure), Red Sea (narrow water body between Arabian Peninsula and Africa), Arabian Peninsula (vast desert plateau), Persian Gulf (if routing via Middle East), Indian Ocean (open water for 6-8 hours), Sunda Strait or Java Sea (Indonesian archipelago—volcanic peaks and island chains visible during daylight), then approaches Australia over the Tasman Sea. The most visually distinctive midpoint features are the Red Sea's narrow geometry, the Arabian Peninsula's desert vastness, and the Indonesian volcanic arc with its distinctive island formations.