Beijing to Moscow is 3,602 miles (5,796 km), a flight of about 6 hours.
Right-side seats offer superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff climb provides dramatic Yanshan Mountain views, and the westward flight path over Mongolia and Kazakhstan offers extended views of the Altai Mountains and vast steppe landscapes that are more visually distinctive than the approach into Moscow.
Flight Path
Altai Mountains (visible around 2.5-3 hours into flight, bearing northwest from aircraft), Gobi Desert transition zones in Mongolia, Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan (if flight path extends southward), vast Eurasian steppe with minimal settlements, Sayan Mountains further north on some routing variations
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Yanshan Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Beijing Capital. The terrain rises progressively, creating a dramatic backdrop during the initial climb phase.
Landing at SVO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Moscow as the aircraft approaches from the southeast. Passengers see the Moscow River, the Kremlin district, and the urban sprawl of central Moscow before landing at Sheremetyevo.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Sheremetyevo (SVO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Moscow. Right-side seats offer superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff climb provides dramatic Yanshan Mountain views, and the westward flight path over Mongolia and Kazakhstan offers extended views of the Altai Mountains and vast steppe landscapes that are more visually distinctive than the approach into Moscow.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yanshan Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Beijing Capital. The terrain rises progressively, creating a dramatic backdrop during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Yanshan Mountains, Ming Tombs valley, Huailai County reservoir system, North China Plain extending southeastward.
What can I see when landing at Sheremetyevo in Moscow?
When landing at Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Moscow as the aircraft approaches from the southeast. Passengers see the Moscow River, the Kremlin district, and the urban sprawl of central Moscow before landing at Sheremetyevo. Notable sights include: Moscow River meanders, Kremlin and Red Square district, Moskva River valley, Moscow urban grid with major avenues radiating from center.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Moscow?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Sheremetyevo (SVO) takes about 6 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,602 miles (5,796 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Moscow flight path pass over?
Altai Mountains (visible around 2.5-3 hours into flight, bearing northwest from aircraft), Gobi Desert transition zones in Mongolia, Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan (if flight path extends southward), vast Eurasian steppe with minimal settlements, Sayan Mountains further north on some routing variations