While the right side offers a decent London departure view, the left side delivers consistently throughout the flight: the Bay of Biscay coastline as you cross into Spain, the Pyrenees foothills in the distance, and the spectacular Valencia coastal approach with the Albufera lagoon and Mediterranean make it the stronger overall choice.
Flown LHR to VLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Valencia is 828 miles (1,332 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The flight tracks south over the English Channel, crosses the French Atlantic coast near the Bay of Biscay, passes over the Meseta Central plateau of central Spain, and descends toward the Valencia coastal plain. The Pyrenees are visible to the east as a distant ridgeline when crossing northern Spain. The Ebro River valley and the flat Aragonese plateau are crossed before the descent toward the Mediterranean coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow typically departs eastward on runways 27L/27R (heading west) or 09L/09R (heading east). On a southbound route to Valencia, aircraft often depart westward then turn south, giving right-side passengers views over Windsor and the Thames Valley. Right side also captures the sweep of the Thames toward central London as the aircraft banks south.
Landing at VLC
LEFTValencia airport runway 12/30 typically sees arrivals from the north on runway 30, with aircraft approaching from the northwest over the coastal plain. Left-side passengers get the Mediterranean coastline, the Albufera lagoon south of the city, and Valencia's historic centre as the aircraft descends over the city.
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 Valencia (VLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Valencia. While the right side offers a decent London departure view, the left side delivers consistently throughout the flight: the Bay of Biscay coastline as you cross into Spain, the Pyrenees foothills in the distance, and the spectacular Valencia coastal approach with the Albufera lagoon and Mediterranean make it the stronger overall choice.
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 27L/27R (heading west) or 09L/09R (heading east). On a southbound route to Valencia, aircraft often depart westward then turn south, giving right-side passengers views over Windsor and the Thames Valley. Right side also captures the sweep of the Thames toward central London as the aircraft banks south. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, the Thames snaking east toward London, the M25 orbital motorway, and the urban sprawl of southwest London.
What can I see when landing at Valencia in Valencia?
When landing at Valencia (VLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Valencia airport runway 12/30 typically sees arrivals from the north on runway 30, with aircraft approaching from the northwest over the coastal plain. Left-side passengers get the Mediterranean coastline, the Albufera lagoon south of the city, and Valencia's historic centre as the aircraft descends over the city. Notable sights include: La Albufera freshwater lagoon, the Mediterranean coastline and beaches, Valencia's old town and the distinctive City of Arts and Sciences complex, the flat huerta farmland surrounding the city.
How long is the flight from London to Valencia?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Valencia (VLC) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 828 miles (1,332 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Valencia flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south over the English Channel, crosses the French Atlantic coast near the Bay of Biscay, passes over the Meseta Central plateau of central Spain, and descends toward the Valencia coastal plain. The Pyrenees are visible to the east as a distant ridgeline when crossing northern Spain. The Ebro River valley and the flat Aragonese plateau are crossed before the descent toward the Mediterranean coast.