The right side captures nearly the entire scenic arc of this route: London and the English coast on departure, the Alps, Middle Eastern deserts, and Indonesian volcanic islands during cruise on typical eastbound routing avoiding Russian airspace, and Sydney Harbour's iconic skyline on arrival. The left side is dominated by long stretches of open ocean and less distinctive terrain.
Flight Path
Arabian Peninsula deserts, Himalayan foothills near northern India, Bay of Bengal, and the volcanic islands of Sumatra and Java along the Indonesian archipelago
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTEastbound departures from Heathrow typically curve south-east over the Thames Estuary and southern England before heading toward the Channel, putting London's skyline and the English coastline on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flat, featureless Home Counties and Midlands.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTOn a North Plan arrival into Sydney, aircraft descend from the north and turn onto final for runway 34L, tracking down over the harbour area. This puts Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House on the right side of the aircraft as it banks toward the airport.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Sydney. The right side captures nearly the entire scenic arc of this route: London and the English coast on departure, the Alps, Middle Eastern deserts, and Indonesian volcanic islands during cruise on typical eastbound routing avoiding Russian airspace, and Sydney Harbour's iconic skyline on arrival. The left side is dominated by long stretches of open ocean and less distinctive terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Eastbound departures from Heathrow typically curve south-east over the Thames Estuary and southern England before heading toward the Channel, putting London's skyline and the English coastline on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flat, featureless Home Counties and Midlands. Notable sights include: River Thames and London skyline, southern England countryside, English Channel, French coastline near Calais.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On a North Plan arrival into Sydney, aircraft descend from the north and turn onto final for runway 34L, tracking down over the harbour area. This puts Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House on the right side of the aircraft as it banks toward the airport. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour and North Shore suburbs, Botany Bay near touchdown.
How long is the flight from London to Sydney?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes 21h 25m.
What does the London to Sydney flight path pass over?
Arabian Peninsula deserts, Himalayan foothills near northern India, Bay of Bengal, and the volcanic islands of Sumatra and Java along the Indonesian archipelago