The right side delivers the spectacular Nice departure — coastline, Monaco, and the Alps — which is the visual highlight of this route. Over France and the Channel the views are broadly similar on both sides. At Gatwick the left side is better for landing, but the Nice departure scenery outweighs the landing advantage.
Flown NCE to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nice to London is 622 miles (1,001 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The route tracks northwest over the Rhône Valley and Lyon, then across Burgundy and the Paris Basin. The Loire Valley is visible in the mid-section. The English Channel crossing near Dieppe takes roughly 20 minutes. Over southern England the route passes over the Weald of Kent and Surrey before descending into Gatwick.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NCE
RIGHTNice's runway 04R departure heads northeast over the city and coast before turning northwest. The right side gives you the sweep of the Baie des Anges, Monaco's headland, and the Maritime Alps rising immediately inland. Left side faces the sea initially but loses the dramatic coastal geography quickly.
Landing at LGW
LEFTGatwick predominantly uses runway 26L/08R. On approach from the southeast on runway 26L, the left side faces north and gives clear views over central London — the Thames, the city skyline, and the Surrey/Kent countryside. Right side faces south toward the Weald with little of note.
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 Cote D Azur (NCE) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nice to London. The right side delivers the spectacular Nice departure — coastline, Monaco, and the Alps — which is the visual highlight of this route. Over France and the Channel the views are broadly similar on both sides. At Gatwick the left side is better for landing, but the Nice departure scenery outweighs the landing advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Cote D Azur in Nice?
During takeoff from Cote D Azur (NCE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Nice's runway 04R departure heads northeast over the city and coast before turning northwest. The right side gives you the sweep of the Baie des Anges, Monaco's headland, and the Maritime Alps rising immediately inland. Left side faces the sea initially but loses the dramatic coastal geography quickly. Notable sights include: Baie des Anges coastline, Monaco and Cap Martin headland, Maritime Alps (Mercantour massif), Antibes peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick predominantly uses runway 26L/08R. On approach from the southeast on runway 26L, the left side faces north and gives clear views over central London — the Thames, the city skyline, and the Surrey/Kent countryside. Right side faces south toward the Weald with little of note. Notable sights include: London skyline (Canary Wharf, The Shard visible on clear days), River Thames, North Downs escarpment, Surrey countryside patchwork.
How long is the flight from Nice to London?
The flight from Cote D Azur (NCE) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 622 miles (1,001 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nice to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the Rhône Valley and Lyon, then across Burgundy and the Paris Basin. The Loire Valley is visible in the mid-section. The English Channel crossing near Dieppe takes roughly 20 minutes. Over southern England the route passes over the Weald of Kent and Surrey before descending into Gatwick.