The right side wins overall because it captures the flight's two most dramatic scenic phases: the western Alps (Mont Blanc and Matterhorn massif) during cruise, which lie just west of the direct London-Rome track, and the Tyrrhenian coastline during the final descent into Fiumicino. The left side's advantage is limited to the brief London/Windsor view right after takeoff.
Flight Path
Eastern France near the Jura, Lake Geneva, the western Alps including the Mont Blanc massif and Matterhorn, then the Po Valley and the Apennine ridgeline running down through Tuscany toward Lazio
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTOn the common westerly departure from Heathrow, the aircraft takes off heading west then banks left toward the southeast, and during that turn Windsor Castle and the Thames-side London skyline (Canary Wharf, the City) swing into view on the left side. The right side mostly faces open Berkshire countryside during the same turn.
Landing at FCO
RIGHTOn approach to FCO from the north, arrivals commonly track down the Lazio coastline before turning onto final for runway 16, putting the Tyrrhenian Sea and the beaches of Ostia on the right side of the aircraft. The left side instead faces inland toward flatter, less distinctive countryside south of Rome.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Fiumicino (FCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Rome. The right side wins overall because it captures the flight's two most dramatic scenic phases: the western Alps (Mont Blanc and Matterhorn massif) during cruise, which lie just west of the direct London-Rome track, and the Tyrrhenian coastline during the final descent into Fiumicino. The left side's advantage is limited to the brief London/Windsor view right after 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. On the common westerly departure from Heathrow, the aircraft takes off heading west then banks left toward the southeast, and during that turn Windsor Castle and the Thames-side London skyline (Canary Wharf, the City) swing into view on the left side. The right side mostly faces open Berkshire countryside during the same turn. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, River Thames, London skyline (Canary Wharf/The Shard), Heathrow's perimeter reservoirs.
What can I see when landing at Fiumicino in Rome?
When landing at Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to FCO from the north, arrivals commonly track down the Lazio coastline before turning onto final for runway 16, putting the Tyrrhenian Sea and the beaches of Ostia on the right side of the aircraft. The left side instead faces inland toward flatter, less distinctive countryside south of Rome. Notable sights include: Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, Ostia beach and pinewoods, mouth of the Tiber River, Fiumicino harbor.
How long is the flight from London to Rome?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Fiumicino (FCO) takes 2h 50m.
What does the London to Rome flight path pass over?
Eastern France near the Jura, Lake Geneva, the western Alps including the Mont Blanc massif and Matterhorn, then the Po Valley and the Apennine ridgeline running down through Tuscany toward Lazio