The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a glimpse of London and the Thames during departure, and a spectacular view of Rio's iconic peaks and bay during arrival — while the right side offers flatter English countryside and a less dramatic view of Niterói and open water.
Flown LHR to GIG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Rio De Janeiro is 5,750 miles (9,253 km), a flight of about 11 hours 20 minutes.
The route crosses the mid-Atlantic near the Cape Verde islands, one of the few landmasses visible during the otherwise open-ocean cruise phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTWesterly departures from Heathrow climb out over west London before turning south toward the Channel, giving left-side passengers a good look at the Thames valley and the London skyline receding behind. The right side mostly shows the flatter Chiltern countryside with fewer recognizable features.
Landing at GIG
LEFTArrivals into GIG typically approach runway 10 from over Guanabara Bay, and on this heading the dramatic granite peaks of Rio — Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado with the Christ the Redeemer statue — sit to the south, visible from the left side of the aircraft along with Copacabana's curving beach. The right side instead faces the flatter city of Niterói and open bay water.
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 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. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a glimpse of London and the Thames during departure, and a spectacular view of Rio's iconic peaks and bay during arrival — while the right side offers flatter English countryside and a less dramatic view of Niterói and open water.
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 over west London before turning south toward the Channel, giving left-side passengers a good look at the Thames valley and the London skyline receding behind. The right side mostly shows the flatter Chiltern countryside with fewer recognizable features. Notable sights include: Thames River bends near Windsor, Windsor Castle, distant London skyline, patchwork of southern England farmland.
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. Arrivals into GIG typically approach runway 10 from over Guanabara Bay, and on this heading the dramatic granite peaks of Rio — Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado with the Christ the Redeemer statue — sit to the south, visible from the left side of the aircraft along with Copacabana's curving beach. The right side instead faces the flatter city of Niterói and open bay water. Notable sights include: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Guanabara Bay.
How long is the flight from London to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) takes about 11 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,750 miles (9,253 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
The route crosses the mid-Atlantic near the Cape Verde islands, one of the few landmasses visible during the otherwise open-ocean cruise phase.