The flight is extremely short — under 20 minutes — so the takeoff view dominates the experience. The right side at Heathrow gives you the most visually interesting content: the Thames and London's urban sprawl during the climb, which is the highlight of this hop.
Flown LHR to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Heathrow to Gatwick is 25 miles (41 km), a flight of about 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the M25 orbital motorway shortly after departure, then tracks southeast over the Surrey commuter belt — Epsom, Reigate — with the North Downs visible as a low chalk escarpment before descending into the Crawley basin for Gatwick. No significant natural features; the landscape is entirely suburban and agricultural English lowland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow typically departs eastbound on runways 09L/09R, so a right-side seat faces south over central London as the aircraft climbs. You get a clear view of the Thames snaking through the city, with recognisable landmarks spread across the south bank and beyond.
Landing at LGW
LEFTGatwick's main runway 26L means the aircraft approaches from the east heading west, so the left side faces south over the Surrey and Sussex countryside. You get views over the High Weald and the urban edge of Crawley just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to London. The flight is extremely short — under 20 minutes — so the takeoff view dominates the experience. The right side at Heathrow gives you the most visually interesting content: the Thames and London's urban sprawl during the climb, which is the highlight of this hop.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow typically departs eastbound on runways 09L/09R, so a right-side seat faces south over central London as the aircraft climbs. You get a clear view of the Thames snaking through the city, with recognisable landmarks spread across the south bank and beyond. Notable sights include: River Thames bends through central London, Wembley Stadium arch to the north (briefly), Windsor Castle and Great Park to the west if departing westbound, Canary Wharf cluster on the eastern horizon.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's main runway 26L means the aircraft approaches from the east heading west, so the left side faces south over the Surrey and Sussex countryside. You get views over the High Weald and the urban edge of Crawley just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Crawley town centre directly below on final approach, M23 motorway corridor, High Weald wooded ridgeline to the south, Gatwick's distinctive single-runway layout visible just before touchdown.
How long is the flight from London to London?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 25 miles (41 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the M25 orbital motorway shortly after departure, then tracks southeast over the Surrey commuter belt — Epsom, Reigate — with the North Downs visible as a low chalk escarpment before descending into the Crawley basin for Gatwick. No significant natural features; the landscape is entirely suburban and agricultural English lowland.