Melbourne to Guangzhou is 4,690 miles (7,548 km), a flight of about 9 hours 20 minutes.
While the Melbourne departure favors the left with bay and city views, the Guangzhou arrival's river-delta and mountain scenery on the right side, combined with brief glimpses of Indonesian archipelago coastlines along the route, give the right side a slightly stronger overall visual sequence.
Flight Path
Central Australian outback plains, Timor Sea, islands of the Indonesian archipelago (Sulawesi/Borneo region), South China Sea
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTDeparting Melbourne on runway 34 heading north, the aircraft banks slightly away from Port Phillip Bay and the CBD skyline, both of which sit to the southwest and remain visible out the left windows during the initial climb. The right side over the northern suburbs is flatter and less distinctive.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTOn approach into Guangzhou Baiyun from the south, the aircraft tracks over the dense Pearl River Delta before turning onto final for the north-south runways, putting the city's skyline, the Pearl River, and White Cloud Mountain on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly faces open farmland west of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Guangzhou. While the Melbourne departure favors the left with bay and city views, the Guangzhou arrival's river-delta and mountain scenery on the right side, combined with brief glimpses of Indonesian archipelago coastlines along the route, give the right side a slightly stronger overall visual sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Melbourne on runway 34 heading north, the aircraft banks slightly away from Port Phillip Bay and the CBD skyline, both of which sit to the southwest and remain visible out the left windows during the initial climb. The right side over the northern suburbs is flatter and less distinctive. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Westgate Bridge, Dandenong Ranges (distant).
What can I see when landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
When landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Guangzhou Baiyun from the south, the aircraft tracks over the dense Pearl River Delta before turning onto final for the north-south runways, putting the city's skyline, the Pearl River, and White Cloud Mountain on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly faces open farmland west of the airport. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou city skyline (Canton Tower area), Baiyun (White Cloud) Mountain, Pearl River.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Guangzhou?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 9 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,690 miles (7,548 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Central Australian outback plains, Timor Sea, islands of the Indonesian archipelago (Sulawesi/Borneo region), South China Sea