While the PVG departure offers a decent glimpse of Shanghai's skyline, the LCY approach delivers a far more dramatic and sustained view of the Thames, Docklands, and London's skyline, making the right side the stronger overall choice despite a long, visually quiet cruise over Central Asia and Siberia.
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Flight Path
Shanghai to London is 5,724 miles (9,213 km), a flight of about 11 hours 40 minutes.
Mongolian steppe and Gobi Desert, Siberian taiga and river systems, the Ural Mountains marking the Europe-Asia boundary, and the flat plains of Eastern Europe before reaching the North Sea coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
LEFTDeparting PVG on the northbound runways, the initial climb and turn toward the northwest puts Shanghai's Pudong skyline and the wide Yangtze River estuary on the left side. Passengers get a brief but recognizable view of the skyscraper cluster and the muddy delta meeting the East China Sea before the aircraft settles onto its northwesterly track.
Landing at LCY
RIGHTOn the typical easterly approach into LCY (runway 27), the aircraft descends over the Thames Estuary and Docklands, with the river's sweeping bends and Canary Wharf's tower cluster visible to the north, which sits on the right side of the aircraft. This gives a strong, unmistakable London skyline view just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to London. While the PVG departure offers a decent glimpse of Shanghai's skyline, the LCY approach delivers a far more dramatic and sustained view of the Thames, Docklands, and London's skyline, making the right side the stronger overall choice despite a long, visually quiet cruise over Central Asia and Siberia.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PVG on the northbound runways, the initial climb and turn toward the northwest puts Shanghai's Pudong skyline and the wide Yangtze River estuary on the left side. Passengers get a brief but recognizable view of the skyscraper cluster and the muddy delta meeting the East China Sea before the aircraft settles onto its northwesterly track. Notable sights include: Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower), Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay coastline.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical easterly approach into LCY (runway 27), the aircraft descends over the Thames Estuary and Docklands, with the river's sweeping bends and Canary Wharf's tower cluster visible to the north, which sits on the right side of the aircraft. This gives a strong, unmistakable London skyline view just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Canary Wharf towers, Thames River bends, O2 Arena, Greenwich Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to London?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to City (LCY) takes about 11 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,724 miles (9,213 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to London flight path pass over?
Mongolian steppe and Gobi Desert, Siberian taiga and river systems, the Ural Mountains marking the Europe-Asia boundary, and the flat plains of Eastern Europe before reaching the North Sea coast