The great-circle route from Shanghai to Barcelona cuts across the Tian Shan foothills, the Kazakh steppe, the northern Caspian Sea, the Caucasus region, and the Black Sea basin — all of which fall on the left side of the aircraft during cruise. This string of genuinely dramatic, named terrain features far outweighs the modest advantage the right side holds during takeoff and landing.
Flown SHA to BCN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Barcelona is 6,108 miles (9,830 km), a flight of about 11 hours 50 minutes.
Tian Shan foothills and the Taklamakan Desert margin, the Kazakh steppe, the northern Caspian Sea, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Black Sea basin
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SHA
RIGHTClimbing out of Hongqiao on a northwesterly departure, the right side gives a brief look back at the Yangtze River delta and Chongming Island's wetlands before the plane settles onto its inland heading. It's not dramatic, but it's the more identifiable geography of the two sides.
Landing at BCN
RIGHTOn approach into Barcelona from the northeast, the right side faces inland toward the Catalan coastal ranges and the foothills leading up to the Pyrenees, with glimpses of Barcelona's urban grid, Tibidabo hill, and Montjuic as the plane lines up for landing. It's the more scenic combination of terrain and city compared to the open Mediterranean on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Barcelona (BCN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Barcelona. The great-circle route from Shanghai to Barcelona cuts across the Tian Shan foothills, the Kazakh steppe, the northern Caspian Sea, the Caucasus region, and the Black Sea basin — all of which fall on the left side of the aircraft during cruise. This string of genuinely dramatic, named terrain features far outweighs the modest advantage the right side holds during takeoff and landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of Hongqiao on a northwesterly departure, the right side gives a brief look back at the Yangtze River delta and Chongming Island's wetlands before the plane settles onto its inland heading. It's not dramatic, but it's the more identifiable geography of the two sides. Notable sights include: Yangtze River delta, Chongming Island, Huangpu River mouth, Shanghai's northern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Barcelona in Barcelona?
When landing at Barcelona (BCN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Barcelona from the northeast, the right side faces inland toward the Catalan coastal ranges and the foothills leading up to the Pyrenees, with glimpses of Barcelona's urban grid, Tibidabo hill, and Montjuic as the plane lines up for landing. It's the more scenic combination of terrain and city compared to the open Mediterranean on the left. Notable sights include: Tibidabo hill, Montjuic, Barcelona's Eixample grid, Collserola ridge.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Barcelona?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Barcelona (BCN) takes about 11 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,108 miles (9,830 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Barcelona flight path pass over?
Tian Shan foothills and the Taklamakan Desert margin, the Kazakh steppe, the northern Caspian Sea, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Black Sea basin