London to Olbia flight pathLHROLB

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Flight time2h 55m
Distance871
Heading143° → 150°

London to Olbia is 871 miles (1,401 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.

Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 4.0 left·★ 3.5 right

The Costa Smeralda approach on the left is one of the more spectacular coastal arrivals in the Mediterranean — turquoise water, granite islands, and clear visibility. The London departure on the right is excellent but the left side wins overall for the quality of the landing scenery, and the left side also picks up the Alps crossing over France and the Ligurian coast en route.

Takeoff · LHRRIGHTRiver Thames through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, City of London/The Shard area
Landing · OLBLEFTCosta Smeralda granite coastline, Maddalena Archipelago islands, Gulf of Arzachena

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The route tracks southeast over France, crossing the Loire Valley and then the French Alps or pre-Alps near the Rhône corridor, before crossing the Ligurian coast near Genoa and the Ligurian Sea. The Alps are visible as a broad snow-capped arc from either side depending on exact routing. The Ligurian and Tyrrhenian coasts are visible on descent into Sardinia.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (right side) — River Thames through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, City of London/The Shard area, Windsor Castle and Great Park (briefly, before the turn)

Takeoff from LHR

RIGHT

Heathrow typically departs eastward on runways 09L/09R, then routes south. The right side gives you central London as the aircraft climbs and turns — the Thames snaking through the city, the City of London skyline, and Canary Wharf are all clearly visible. Left side gets suburban west London and not much else.

River Thames through central LondonCanary Wharf tower clusterCity of London/The Shard areaWindsor Castle and Great Park (briefly

Landing at OLB

LEFT

OLB's runway 05/23 means arrivals typically come in from the southwest over the sea. On a left seat you get the dramatic granite coastline of the Costa Smeralda, the Maddalena Archipelago, and the turquoise shallows of the Tyrrhenian Sea on final approach. Right side faces inland Sardinian hills.

Costa Smeralda granite coastlineMaddalena Archipelago islandsGulf of ArzachenaTyrrhenian Sea turquoise shallows

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Olbia. The Costa Smeralda approach on the left is one of the more spectacular coastal arrivals in the Mediterranean — turquoise water, granite islands, and clear visibility. The London departure on the right is excellent but the left side wins overall for the quality of the landing scenery, and the left side also picks up the Alps crossing over France and the Ligurian coast en route.

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 eastward on runways 09L/09R, then routes south. The right side gives you central London as the aircraft climbs and turns — the Thames snaking through the city, the City of London skyline, and Canary Wharf are all clearly visible. Left side gets suburban west London and not much else. Notable sights include: River Thames through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, City of London/The Shard area, Windsor Castle and Great Park (briefly, before the turn).

What can I see when landing at Olbia Costa Smeralda in Olbia?

When landing at Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB), sit on the Left side for the best views. OLB's runway 05/23 means arrivals typically come in from the southwest over the sea. On a left seat you get the dramatic granite coastline of the Costa Smeralda, the Maddalena Archipelago, and the turquoise shallows of the Tyrrhenian Sea on final approach. Right side faces inland Sardinian hills. Notable sights include: Costa Smeralda granite coastline, Maddalena Archipelago islands, Gulf of Arzachena, Tyrrhenian Sea turquoise shallows.

How long is the flight from London to Olbia?

The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 871 miles (1,401 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Olbia flight path pass over?

The route tracks southeast over France, crossing the Loire Valley and then the French Alps or pre-Alps near the Rhône corridor, before crossing the Ligurian coast near Genoa and the Ligurian Sea. The Alps are visible as a broad snow-capped arc from either side depending on exact routing. The Ligurian and Tyrrhenian coasts are visible on descent into Sardinia.