The takeoff view from the right side (Ming Tombs and Yanshan Mountains) is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. However, if landing conditions favor runway 04/22 from the west, left seats during descent offer the dramatic Øresund Bridge and strait crossing. Right seats win overall for the stronger takeoff experience.
Flown PEK to CPH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Copenhagen is 4,471 miles (7,195 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Gobi Desert and Inner Mongolian plateau (sparse, featureless terrain), then transitions over Kazakhstan and southern Russia. Notable midpoint features include the Altai Mountains (far south of track), the Caspian Sea (visible on southern routing variants), and the Ural Mountains. Over Eastern Europe, the flight passes north of the Black Sea and crosses the Carpathian Mountains or passes through the Danube valley depending on exact routing. The Baltic states and southern Sweden appear near the final descent into Copenhagen.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
RIGHTPEK typically departs north or northeast on runways 01L/01R or 16L/16R. Right-side seats offer views of the Ming Tombs and Yanshan Mountains as the aircraft climbs northward, while left seats face the urban sprawl of Beijing proper.
Landing at CPH
LEFTCPH approaches from the west or southwest (runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R depending on wind). Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Øresund Strait, the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden, and the Swedish coast near Malmö during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Copenhagen. The takeoff view from the right side (Ming Tombs and Yanshan Mountains) is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. However, if landing conditions favor runway 04/22 from the west, left seats during descent offer the dramatic Øresund Bridge and strait crossing. Right seats win overall for the stronger takeoff experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. PEK typically departs north or northeast on runways 01L/01R or 16L/16R. Right-side seats offer views of the Ming Tombs and Yanshan Mountains as the aircraft climbs northward, while left seats face the urban sprawl of Beijing proper. Notable sights include: Ming Tombs (Sacred Valley), Yanshan Mountain Range, Jundu Mountains, Chaobai River valley.
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Left side for the best views. CPH approaches from the west or southwest (runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R depending on wind). Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Øresund Strait, the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden, and the Swedish coast near Malmö during descent. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait, Øresund Bridge, Malmö city (Swedish coast), Danish agricultural plains.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Copenhagen?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Kastrup (CPH) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,471 miles (7,195 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gobi Desert and Inner Mongolian plateau (sparse, featureless terrain), then transitions over Kazakhstan and southern Russia. Notable midpoint features include the Altai Mountains (far south of track), the Caspian Sea (visible on southern routing variants), and the Ural Mountains. Over Eastern Europe, the flight passes north of the Black Sea and crosses the Carpathian Mountains or passes through the Danube valley depending on exact routing. The Baltic states and southern Sweden appear near the final descent into Copenhagen.