About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stansted (STN) to Arlanda (ARN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Stockholm. While takeoff favors the right for East Anglian views, the landing experience on the left—with the Stockholm archipelago and city approach—is more visually rewarding and geographically distinctive. The archipelago descent is a highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Stansted in London?
During takeoff from Stansted (STN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Stansted typically departs eastbound (Runway 22) or westbound (Runway 04). Right-side seats offer views of the Essex countryside, the North Sea coast, and the Wash estuary as you climb out over East Anglia. Left seats see inland Essex and the Midlands, which are less distinctive. Notable sights include: The Wash (large tidal estuary on the Norfolk/Lincolnshire coast), North Sea, Essex marshlands and agricultural patchwork, occasional glimpses of the Fens to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Arlanda in Stockholm?
When landing at Arlanda (ARN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arlanda typically uses Runway 09L/27R or 09R/27L depending on wind. Approaching from the southwest (standard from UK), left-side seats offer views of Stockholm's archipelago, Lake Mälaren, and the city itself during descent. Right seats see forests and lakes inland, less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Stockholm archipelago (thousands of islands and skerries), Lake Mälaren (large freshwater lake west of Stockholm), Stockholm city center and Gamla Stan (old town), Vaxholm fortress island.
How long is the flight from London to Stockholm?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to Arlanda (ARN) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the London to Stockholm flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Sea at roughly 15,000-25,000 feet. Notable features include the Dogger Bank area (shallow North Sea fishing grounds), the Danish coast near Skagen (where the North Sea and Baltic meet), and the Swedish east coast with its characteristic rocky, forested shoreline and archipelago systems. The Kattegat and Skagerrak straits separate Denmark from Sweden. Lake Vänern (Sweden's largest lake) may be visible to the left during descent if the approach vector allows. The landscape transitions from flat East Anglian plains to increasingly rugged Scandinavian terrain with extensive boreal forest.