Shanghai to Copenhagen is 5,162 miles (8,307 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
While the takeoff offers excellent delta views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the straits, fjords, and transition to Scandinavian geography are visually distinctive. The left side captures the most memorable portion of this long westbound route.
Flight Path
The flight crosses central Asia passing over the Tian Shan mountains (visible on clear days), the Caspian Sea's eastern shore, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Black Sea before entering Eastern Europe. Over Eastern Europe, the Carpathian Mountains and Danube River valley are notable. The route then crosses into Central Europe, passing over Poland and Germany's North European Plain before reaching Scandinavia.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs out westbound from PVG. The river delta's intricate waterways and tidal flats are distinctive from altitude, and you'll see the industrial landscape of Shanghai's port facilities receding below.
Landing at RKE
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views during the descent approach into Copenhagen. You'll see the Danish coastline, the Great Belt strait, and the transition from open water to the Sjælland peninsula where Copenhagen sits. The Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden is also visible on approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Roskilde (RKE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Copenhagen. While the takeoff offers excellent delta views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the straits, fjords, and transition to Scandinavian geography are visually distinctive. The left side captures the most memorable portion of this long westbound route.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs out westbound from PVG. The river delta's intricate waterways and tidal flats are distinctive from altitude, and you'll see the industrial landscape of Shanghai's port facilities receding below. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai port and industrial zones, East China Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Roskilde in Copenhagen?
When landing at Roskilde (RKE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views during the descent approach into Copenhagen. You'll see the Danish coastline, the Great Belt strait, and the transition from open water to the Sjælland peninsula where Copenhagen sits. The Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden is also visible on approach. Notable sights include: Great Belt strait, Sjælland peninsula, Øresund Strait, Danish coastline and fjords.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Copenhagen?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Roskilde (RKE) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,162 miles (8,307 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
The flight crosses central Asia passing over the Tian Shan mountains (visible on clear days), the Caspian Sea's eastern shore, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Black Sea before entering Eastern Europe. Over Eastern Europe, the Carpathian Mountains and Danube River valley are notable. The route then crosses into Central Europe, passing over Poland and Germany's North European Plain before reaching Scandinavia.