The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a fleeting London skyline view at takeoff and a genuinely scenic coastal approach into Porto with the Douro estuary and city visible, while the left side offers only unremarkable inland terrain throughout.
Flown STN to OPO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Porto is 847 miles (1,363 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Bay of Biscay, French Atlantic coastline near Bordeaux, northern Spanish coast near Santander
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STN
RIGHTDeparting STN on runway 22, the initial turn southwest brings London's skyline and the Thames estuary into view on the right (west) side, while the left shows only flat Essex farmland. It's a brief but genuine urban highlight before the long overland cruise.
Landing at OPO
RIGHTOn approach to OPO's runway 17, the aircraft tracks south along the Portuguese Atlantic coast, so the right side offers views of the coastline, the mouth of the Douro River, and Porto's riverside cityscape just before touchdown. The left side only shows inland hills with no comparable landmarks.
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 Stansted (STN) to Porto (OPO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Porto. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a fleeting London skyline view at takeoff and a genuinely scenic coastal approach into Porto with the Douro estuary and city visible, while the left side offers only unremarkable inland terrain throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Stansted in London?
During takeoff from Stansted (STN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing STN on runway 22, the initial turn southwest brings London's skyline and the Thames estuary into view on the right (west) side, while the left shows only flat Essex farmland. It's a brief but genuine urban highlight before the long overland cruise. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary, London skyline (The Shard, City skyscrapers), Essex countryside.
What can I see when landing at Porto in Porto?
When landing at Porto (OPO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to OPO's runway 17, the aircraft tracks south along the Portuguese Atlantic coast, so the right side offers views of the coastline, the mouth of the Douro River, and Porto's riverside cityscape just before touchdown. The left side only shows inland hills with no comparable landmarks. Notable sights include: Atlantic coastline near Porto, Douro River estuary, Porto's historic riverside district, Matosinhos harbor.
How long is the flight from London to Porto?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to Porto (OPO) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 847 miles (1,363 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Porto flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay, French Atlantic coastline near Bordeaux, northern Spanish coast near Santander