Copenhagen to Shanghai is 5,162 miles (8,307 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
While the takeoff offers brief but clear views of Scandinavian geography, the landing approach provides sustained, dramatic views of one of the world's largest river deltas and a major metropolitan area. The Yangtze delta and Shanghai's urban landscape offer more visually distinctive and geographically significant scenery than the departure phase.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Baltic Sea, then traverses Poland and Ukraine, passing over the Carpathian Mountains (visible as a distinct ridge system in southern Poland/Romania), the Black Sea coast, and continues southeast over the Caucasus region, the Caspian Sea, and across Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan's steppes before descending into the Yangtze River delta. The Carpathians and Caspian Sea are the most visually distinctive midpoint landmarks.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKE
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Øresund Strait and the Swedish coast as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Copenhagen. The strait's distinctive narrow waterway and the Malmö coastline are clearly visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Yangtze River delta and Shanghai's urban sprawl during descent. The river's massive braided channels and the contrast between water and dense urban development are striking from altitude, especially the Huangpu River winding through Pudong district.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Roskilde (RKE) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Copenhagen to Shanghai. While the takeoff offers brief but clear views of Scandinavian geography, the landing approach provides sustained, dramatic views of one of the world's largest river deltas and a major metropolitan area. The Yangtze delta and Shanghai's urban landscape offer more visually distinctive and geographically significant scenery than the departure phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Roskilde in Copenhagen?
During takeoff from Roskilde (RKE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Øresund Strait and the Swedish coast as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Copenhagen. The strait's distinctive narrow waterway and the Malmö coastline are clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait, Malmö waterfront, Copenhagen metropolitan area, Kattegat coastline.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Yangtze River delta and Shanghai's urban sprawl during descent. The river's massive braided channels and the contrast between water and dense urban development are striking from altitude, especially the Huangpu River winding through Pudong district. Notable sights include: Yangtze River delta, Huangpu River, Pudong financial district skyline, East China Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Copenhagen to Shanghai?
The flight from Roskilde (RKE) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) 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 Copenhagen to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Baltic Sea, then traverses Poland and Ukraine, passing over the Carpathian Mountains (visible as a distinct ridge system in southern Poland/Romania), the Black Sea coast, and continues southeast over the Caucasus region, the Caspian Sea, and across Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan's steppes before descending into the Yangtze River delta. The Carpathians and Caspian Sea are the most visually distinctive midpoint landmarks.