While Melbourne's departure offers immediate coastal interest, Porto's landing approach is significantly more dramatic and visually distinctive. The Douro River gorge, Atlantic cliffs, and historic city architecture create far greater scenic variety and landmark density than the relatively flat, suburban-dominated cruise phase. The landing experience on the right side substantially outweighs the modest advantage of the left-side departure.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Indian Ocean (6+ hours of open water with minimal landmarks), then transitions over the Middle East and Mediterranean. Notable features include the Suez Canal region, the Mediterranean coast of North Africa and southern Europe, and the Atlas Mountains visible from altitude during the approach to European airspace. The majority of the 17+ hour journey involves either open ocean or night flight, limiting scenic value for most of the cruise phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTMelbourne's departure over Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges to the east provides immediate coastal and low-mountain scenery. The bay's distinctive shape and suburban sprawl are clearly visible during climb-out.
Landing at OPO
RIGHTPorto's approach from the Atlantic reveals the dramatic Douro River gorge cutting through granite hills, the Atlantic coastline with its rocky headlands, and the historic city's terraced architecture cascading down to the river. The approach is visually rich with topographic variation and urban character.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Porto (OPO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Porto. While Melbourne's departure offers immediate coastal interest, Porto's landing approach is significantly more dramatic and visually distinctive. The Douro River gorge, Atlantic cliffs, and historic city architecture create far greater scenic variety and landmark density than the relatively flat, suburban-dominated cruise phase. The landing experience on the right side substantially outweighs the modest advantage of the left-side departure.
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. Melbourne's departure over Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges to the east provides immediate coastal and low-mountain scenery. The bay's distinctive shape and suburban sprawl are clearly visible during climb-out. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne CBD and harbor, Yarra River delta.
What can I see when landing at Porto in Porto?
When landing at Porto (OPO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Porto's approach from the Atlantic reveals the dramatic Douro River gorge cutting through granite hills, the Atlantic coastline with its rocky headlands, and the historic city's terraced architecture cascading down to the river. The approach is visually rich with topographic variation and urban character. Notable sights include: Douro River gorge and valley, Atlantic coastline and cliffs, Porto's historic riverside district, Serra da Arrabida hills to the south.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Porto?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Porto (OPO) takes 17h 20m.
What does the Melbourne to Porto flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Indian Ocean (6+ hours of open water with minimal landmarks), then transitions over the Middle East and Mediterranean. Notable features include the Suez Canal region, the Mediterranean coast of North Africa and southern Europe, and the Atlas Mountains visible from altitude during the approach to European airspace. The majority of the 17+ hour journey involves either open ocean or night flight, limiting scenic value for most of the cruise phase.