The left side benefits from one of the most iconic urban approach views in commercial aviation—Sydney Harbour, the Bridge, and the Opera House—while the right side's advantage during takeoff over the Singapore Strait is comparatively modest. Neither side gains much during the long cruise over Indonesia's islands and the flat Australian outback, so the landing sequence tips the balance.
Flown SIN to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Singapore to Sydney is 3,911 miles (6,293 km), a flight of about 8 hours 5 minutes.
Flight path crosses eastern Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands (Bali, Flores), the Timor Sea, then the Kimberley and Top End region of northern Australia before crossing the vast, sparsely vegetated outback of the Northern Territory and Queensland en route to New South Wales.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SIN
RIGHTDeparting Changi, the right-side windows face out over the Singapore Strait, giving a good look at Sentosa Island, the dense shipping lanes, and the low silhouette of Indonesia's Riau Islands as the aircraft climbs and turns onto its southeast track. The left side mostly shows Singapore's eastern suburbs and Johor before leveling into cruise.
Landing at SYD
LEFTOn the descent into Sydney from the northwest, the approach path curves down the coast before final, putting Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House squarely in view on the left side. The right side during this phase mostly shows the flatter western and southern suburbs with less visual drama.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Singapore to Sydney. The left side benefits from one of the most iconic urban approach views in commercial aviation—Sydney Harbour, the Bridge, and the Opera House—while the right side's advantage during takeoff over the Singapore Strait is comparatively modest. Neither side gains much during the long cruise over Indonesia's islands and the flat Australian outback, so the landing sequence tips the balance.
What can I see during takeoff from Singapore Changi in Singapore?
During takeoff from Singapore Changi (SIN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Changi, the right-side windows face out over the Singapore Strait, giving a good look at Sentosa Island, the dense shipping lanes, and the low silhouette of Indonesia's Riau Islands as the aircraft climbs and turns onto its southeast track. The left side mostly shows Singapore's eastern suburbs and Johor before leveling into cruise. Notable sights include: Sentosa Island, Singapore Strait shipping lanes, Marina Bay skyline, Riau Islands (Indonesia) on the horizon.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into Sydney from the northwest, the approach path curves down the coast before final, putting Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House squarely in view on the left side. The right side during this phase mostly shows the flatter western and southern suburbs with less visual drama. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Botany Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Singapore to Sydney?
The flight from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 8 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,911 miles (6,293 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Singapore to Sydney flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses eastern Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands (Bali, Flores), the Timor Sea, then the Kimberley and Top End region of northern Australia before crossing the vast, sparsely vegetated outback of the Northern Territory and Queensland en route to New South Wales.