About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Sheremetyevo (SVO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Moscow. Left seats capture the Shanghai departure over the Huangpu and Pudong, then offer the superior Moscow approach over the river and Kremlin. The westbound routing means left-side views align better with the flight path's most dramatic geographical features.
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. Hongqiao typically departs runway 06 (northeast) or 09 (east). Right-side seats offer views of the Huangpu River's northern bend and the Pudong skyline receding eastward. Left seats face inland toward industrial zones with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (serpentine course below), Pudong financial district (distinctive tower cluster), Yangtze River estuary (visible at distance), Hangzhou Bay (southern horizon).
What can I see when landing at Sheremetyevo in Moscow?
When landing at Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sheremetyevo has two main runway complexes; approaches typically use runways 06L/06R or 07L/07R from the south/southwest. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Moscow River's northern loops, the Kremlin district, and the city's radial street pattern. Right seats face the airport's industrial perimeter. Notable sights include: Moscow River (multiple meanders through city), Kremlin and Red Square district (central landmark), Moskva River's confluence with smaller tributaries, Moscow's ring roads (visible as concentric circles).
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Moscow?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Sheremetyevo (SVO) takes Approximately 10 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Shanghai to Moscow flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Urals (visible as a low, weathered mountain range around 6-7 hours into flight, appearing as subtle elevation changes rather than dramatic peaks), the Volga River basin (extensive river system visible during descent into Moscow), and vast Siberian steppe and taiga forests (monotonous but geographically significant for 4-5 hours of the journey). The Caspian Sea's northern edge may be visible depending on exact routing. Most of the midpoint flight crosses relatively featureless terrain at cruise altitude.