While Melbourne's departure offers pleasant coastal and suburban views, London's landing approach over the Thames estuary and central London's iconic landmarks (Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, the City) provides significantly more dramatic and recognizable urban scenery. The Thames's winding path and London's dense historic core create visual variety and landmark density that outweigh Melbourne's takeoff advantage. The right side captures one of Europe's most visually distinctive approaches.
Flown MBW to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to London is 10,509 miles (16,912 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Indian Ocean (6+ hours of open water with minimal scenery), the Arabian Peninsula's deserts and coastlines (Oman, UAE), the Persian Gulf, Iraq's Tigris-Euphrates valley, Turkey's Anatolian plateau, the Black Sea, Eastern Europe's plains, and finally the North European Plain into the UK. The Indian Ocean dominates the flight's middle section with virtually no visible landmarks. The Arabian Peninsula offers desert and coastal features but brief visibility. The most scenic midpoint segment is the approach to Europe: the Alps' southern foothills, the Danube valley, and Central European geography provide terrain variety after hours of ocean and flat plains.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MBW
LEFTMelbourne's departure over Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges provides immediate coastal and low-mountain scenery. The bay's distinctive shape and suburban sprawl create visual interest during climb-out.
Landing at LCY
RIGHTLondon City Airport's approach over the Thames estuary and central London offers superior urban scenery. The river's winding path, Canary Wharf's distinctive towers, and the historic City of London create a dramatic final descent with recognizable landmarks.
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 Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to London. While Melbourne's departure offers pleasant coastal and suburban views, London's landing approach over the Thames estuary and central London's iconic landmarks (Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, the City) provides significantly more dramatic and recognizable urban scenery. The Thames's winding path and London's dense historic core create visual variety and landmark density that outweigh Melbourne's takeoff advantage. The right side captures one of Europe's most visually distinctive approaches.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Melbourne's departure over Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges provides immediate coastal and low-mountain scenery. The bay's distinctive shape and suburban sprawl create visual interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River delta.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. London City Airport's approach over the Thames estuary and central London offers superior urban scenery. The river's winding path, Canary Wharf's distinctive towers, and the historic City of London create a dramatic final descent with recognizable landmarks. Notable sights include: River Thames and estuary, Canary Wharf financial district, Tower Bridge, City of London skyline.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to London?
The flight from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to City (LCY) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,509 miles (16,912 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to London flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Indian Ocean (6+ hours of open water with minimal scenery), the Arabian Peninsula's deserts and coastlines (Oman, UAE), the Persian Gulf, Iraq's Tigris-Euphrates valley, Turkey's Anatolian plateau, the Black Sea, Eastern Europe's plains, and finally the North European Plain into the UK. The Indian Ocean dominates the flight's middle section with virtually no visible landmarks. The Arabian Peninsula offers desert and coastal features but brief visibility. The most scenic midpoint segment is the approach to Europe: the Alps' southern foothills, the Danube valley, and Central European geography provide terrain variety after hours of ocean and flat plains.