The right side wins overall because the Alpine approach into Munich is the most visually dramatic part of the flight. While the left side has decent views on departure over Essex and the Thames, the right side delivers the Bavarian Alps panorama on descent plus views over the Rhine valley and Black Forest in the cruise phase as the route tracks southeast across Germany.
Flown STN to MUC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Munich is 566 miles (911 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The route crosses the Rhine valley near Cologne or Frankfurt depending on routing, then tracks over the Taunus hills and the Main valley. Further southeast the route passes over the Swabian Alb plateau before the Bavarian plateau opens up ahead of Munich. On the right side during cruise, the Black Forest ridgeline may be visible to the south on clear days, and the Danube valley is sometimes identifiable as a subtle dark line across the plateau.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STN
LEFTStansted's main runway 04/22 means departures heading northeast (runway 04) give the left side views over central Essex and the Thames Estuary as the aircraft turns southeast toward the continent. Departures on runway 22 heading southwest briefly show the northern outskirts of London to the left before turning east.
Landing at MUC
RIGHTMunich's primary landing runway 08/26 means aircraft on approach from the west on runway 26 track eastward, putting the Bavarian Alps and the foothills to the south on the right side. The right seat gets a prolonged view of the Alps as the aircraft descends over the Bavarian plateau.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stansted (STN) to Munich (MUC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Munich. The right side wins overall because the Alpine approach into Munich is the most visually dramatic part of the flight. While the left side has decent views on departure over Essex and the Thames, the right side delivers the Bavarian Alps panorama on descent plus views over the Rhine valley and Black Forest in the cruise phase as the route tracks southeast across Germany.
What can I see during takeoff from Stansted in London?
During takeoff from Stansted (STN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Stansted's main runway 04/22 means departures heading northeast (runway 04) give the left side views over central Essex and the Thames Estuary as the aircraft turns southeast toward the continent. Departures on runway 22 heading southwest briefly show the northern outskirts of London to the left before turning east. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary to the south, Cambridge city and its flat fenland to the northwest, Chelmsford and the M11 corridor below, River Lea valley.
What can I see when landing at Munich in Munich?
When landing at Munich (MUC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Munich's primary landing runway 08/26 means aircraft on approach from the west on runway 26 track eastward, putting the Bavarian Alps and the foothills to the south on the right side. The right seat gets a prolonged view of the Alps as the aircraft descends over the Bavarian plateau. Notable sights include: Bavarian Alps including the Zugspitze massif on the horizon, Ammersee and Starnberger See lakes in the Bavarian plateau, Munich city center and the English Garden, Isar River valley.
How long is the flight from London to Munich?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to Munich (MUC) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 566 miles (911 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Munich flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Rhine valley near Cologne or Frankfurt depending on routing, then tracks over the Taunus hills and the Main valley. Further southeast the route passes over the Swabian Alb plateau before the Bavarian plateau opens up ahead of Munich. On the right side during cruise, the Black Forest ridgeline may be visible to the south on clear days, and the Danube valley is sometimes identifiable as a subtle dark line across the plateau.