About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Rio De Janeiro. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Takeoff delivers London and the Thames valley; landing delivers the definitive Rio de Janeiro panorama with Sugarloaf and Guanabara Bay. Over the Atlantic the views are symmetric, so the departure and arrival experiences are the deciding factor.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow departures on the eastbound runway 27L/27R head west initially before turning south. A left-side seat gives you views over Windsor Castle, the Thames valley, and central London as the aircraft banks. Right side faces north toward suburban Middlesex with little of interest. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle and Great Park, River Thames snaking east toward London, the City of London skyline on the horizon, Richmond Park.
What can I see when landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim in Rio De Janeiro?
When landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG), sit on the Left side for the best views. GIG sits on Ilha do Governador in Guanabara Bay. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast over the Atlantic and land heading southwest on runway 10/28. A left-side seat gives you the iconic view of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio cityscape as you descend. Right side faces north toward the bay's far shore and industrial areas. Notable sights include: Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro city centre and Flamengo, Niterói across the bay.
How long is the flight from London to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the London to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
The route tracks south from London over the Bay of Biscay, then down the West African coast passing near the Canary Islands and Cape Verde archipelago, crosses the equator over the central Atlantic, then approaches Brazil near Recife before tracking south along the Brazilian coast past Salvador and the mouth of the São Francisco River toward Rio. The Canary Islands are occasionally visible on clear days, and the Brazilian coastline with its beaches and lagoons becomes visible in the final two hours.