While takeoff favors the right for Port Phillip Bay views, the landing approach—which occupies the final 90 minutes and provides the most dramatic scenery—strongly favors left seats. The Yangmingshan peaks and Taiwan Strait approach are far more visually distinctive than the relatively flat Melbourne departure.
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Flight Path
Melbourne to Taipei is 4,603 miles (7,408 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea and approaches the Australian east coast near Sydney before heading northwest across the Pacific. Over open ocean for roughly 5 hours, there are no significant landmarks visible. As the aircraft approaches Taiwan from the southeast, the northern Philippines (Luzon) may be visible on the horizon to the south, and the Ryukyu Islands chain (Japan) may appear as distant landmasses to the north depending on exact routing. The final approach into Taipei offers the most compelling views: the Taiwan Strait's western boundary, the volcanic Yangmingshan range, and the sprawling Taipei Basin with its river systems.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
RIGHTMelbourne Essendon typically departs to the north or northwest. Right-side seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay's western shoreline and the You Yangs ranges as the aircraft climbs. Left seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at TPE
LEFTTaipei Taoyuan typically uses runways aligned roughly north-south. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Taiwan Strait's western approaches, the Taipei Basin, and Yangmingshan National Park's volcanic peaks. Right seats face the Pacific side with less dramatic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Taipei. While takeoff favors the right for Port Phillip Bay views, the landing approach—which occupies the final 90 minutes and provides the most dramatic scenery—strongly favors left seats. The Yangmingshan peaks and Taiwan Strait approach are far more visually distinctive than the relatively flat Melbourne departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Melbourne Essendon typically departs to the north or northwest. Right-side seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay's western shoreline and the You Yangs ranges as the aircraft climbs. Left seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate right, expanding as you climb), You Yangs volcanic range (northwest, appearing as low rounded hills), Dandenong Ranges (distant southeast, visible as a forested ridge on the horizon), Macedon Ranges (far northwest, subtle elevation change on the horizon).
What can I see when landing at Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Taipei Taoyuan typically uses runways aligned roughly north-south. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Taiwan Strait's western approaches, the Taipei Basin, and Yangmingshan National Park's volcanic peaks. Right seats face the Pacific side with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait (western approach, visible as open water), Yangmingshan volcanic peaks (north of Taipei, distinctive dark ridgeline), Taipei 101 and downtown Taipei skyline (visible in final approach), Tamsui River (snaking through the basin, silver thread through urban sprawl).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Taipei?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,603 miles (7,408 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Taipei flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea and approaches the Australian east coast near Sydney before heading northwest across the Pacific. Over open ocean for roughly 5 hours, there are no significant landmarks visible. As the aircraft approaches Taiwan from the southeast, the northern Philippines (Luzon) may be visible on the horizon to the south, and the Ryukyu Islands chain (Japan) may appear as distant landmasses to the north depending on exact routing. The final approach into Taipei offers the most compelling views: the Taiwan Strait's western boundary, the volcanic Yangmingshan range, and the sprawling Taipei Basin with its river systems.