The left side wins across all three phases: Windsor Castle and the Thames at takeoff, glimpses of the Pennines and Yorkshire Dales during cruise, and the dramatic Firth of Forth with its bridges and Edinburgh's skyline on final approach.
Flown LHR to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Edinburgh is 332 miles (534 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Route tracks roughly north along England's eastern side, passing within sight of the Pennine hills and Yorkshire Dales to the west, the Vale of York, and the Northumberland coastline near Newcastle before crossing into Scotland over the Borders.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTOn the common westerly departure from runway 27, the climb-out track passes close to Windsor Castle and the loops of the Thames through Berkshire, visible just south of the flight path. The right side mostly shows flat Middlesex and Buckinghamshire suburbs with less to look at.
Landing at EDI
LEFTWith runway 24 in use most of the time, arrivals track in from the northeast across the Firth of Forth, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the Forth Bridges and Edinburgh's skyline including Arthur's Seat before the final turn onto approach. The right side during this stage mostly shows open farmland and the Pentland Hills at a distance.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Edinburgh. The left side wins across all three phases: Windsor Castle and the Thames at takeoff, glimpses of the Pennines and Yorkshire Dales during cruise, and the dramatic Firth of Forth with its bridges and Edinburgh's skyline on final approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the common westerly departure from runway 27, the climb-out track passes close to Windsor Castle and the loops of the Thames through Berkshire, visible just south of the flight path. The right side mostly shows flat Middlesex and Buckinghamshire suburbs with less to look at. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle and Great Park, River Thames meanders, Staines reservoirs, Berkshire farmland.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. With runway 24 in use most of the time, arrivals track in from the northeast across the Firth of Forth, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the Forth Bridges and Edinburgh's skyline including Arthur's Seat before the final turn onto approach. The right side during this stage mostly shows open farmland and the Pentland Hills at a distance. Notable sights include: Forth Bridge and Forth Road Bridge, Firth of Forth, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat, Pentland Hills.
How long is the flight from London to Edinburgh?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 332 miles (534 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
Route tracks roughly north along England's eastern side, passing within sight of the Pennine hills and Yorkshire Dales to the west, the Vale of York, and the Northumberland coastline near Newcastle before crossing into Scotland over the Borders.