London to Horta flight pathLHRHOR

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time3h 00m
Distance1,629
Heading248° → 227°
Best side
LeftMostly left

While takeoff offers Thames Valley scenery, the landing approach to Horta provides more dramatic and distinctive views. The volcanic landscape of Faial Island and the Atlantic crossing are visually superior to the relatively flat English countryside departure.

Flown LHR to HOR? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

London to Horta is 1,629 miles (2,622 km), a flight of about 3 hours.

Bay of Biscay (relatively featureless open ocean), Iberian Peninsula coast (Spain/Portugal border region visible as distant landmass on southern horizon during mid-flight), transition from temperate to subtropical Atlantic waters, occasional visibility of the Portuguese coast near Lisbon area depending on flight routing

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (right side) — Thames estuary, Cotswold Hills, Windsor Castle area, London urban sprawl to the east

Takeoff from LHR

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the Cotswold Hills as you climb out westward from Heathrow. The river's meandering path and surrounding green belt are distinctive from altitude.

Thames estuaryCotswold HillsWindsor Castle areaLondon urban sprawl to the east
LHR HeathrowHub for British Airways, Virgin Atlantic

Landing at HOR

LEFT

Left-side seats provide views of Faial Island's volcanic peaks and the approach over the Atlantic. The island's distinctive cone-shaped Mount Pico (visible from Horta) and the caldera formations are striking during descent.

Faial Island volcanic peaksAtlantic OceanPico IslandHorta harbor and coastal settlement
HOR HortaHorta, Portugal

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 Horta (HOR)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Horta. While takeoff offers Thames Valley scenery, the landing approach to Horta provides more dramatic and distinctive views. The volcanic landscape of Faial Island and the Atlantic crossing are visually superior to the relatively flat English countryside departure.

What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?

During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the Cotswold Hills as you climb out westward from Heathrow. The river's meandering path and surrounding green belt are distinctive from altitude. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Cotswold Hills, Windsor Castle area, London urban sprawl to the east.

What can I see when landing at Horta in Horta?

When landing at Horta (HOR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of Faial Island's volcanic peaks and the approach over the Atlantic. The island's distinctive cone-shaped Mount Pico (visible from Horta) and the caldera formations are striking during descent. Notable sights include: Faial Island volcanic peaks, Atlantic Ocean, Pico Island (visible on clear days), Horta harbor and coastal settlement.

How long is the flight from London to Horta?

The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Horta (HOR) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,629 miles (2,622 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Horta flight path pass over?

Bay of Biscay (relatively featureless open ocean), Iberian Peninsula coast (Spain/Portugal border region visible as distant landmass on southern horizon during mid-flight), transition from temperate to subtropical Atlantic waters, occasional visibility of the Portuguese coast near Lisbon area depending on flight routing