SVO (Moscow) window seat guide

Best window seat at Sheremetyevo

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Moskva River with its characteristic loops and bends, Moscow Ring Road as a curved line defining the city boundary, extensive birch and pine forests of the Moscow region

LandingLEFT

Moskva River with its characteristic meanders, Moscow city center skyline, Sheremetyevo's terminal complex and parallel runways

🛫 Taking Off from Moscow (SVO)

Best sideLeft
WhyRunway 24C departures head southwest, placing the left side toward the northwest where the Moskva River's distinctive meanders and the forested areas around Moscow's outer ring are visible during climb-out. The right side faces the more built-up southern and southeastern suburbs with less dramatic geography.
Look forMoskva River with its characteristic loops and bends, Moscow Ring Road (MKAD) as a curved line defining the city boundary, extensive birch and pine forests of the Moscow region, Sheremetyevo's own terminal complex receding below
Right window seat view during takeoff from Moscow (SVO) — Moskva River with its characteristic loops and bends, Moscow Ring Road (MKAD) as a curved line defining the city boundary, extensive birch and pine forests of the Moscow region, Sheremetyevo's own terminal complex receding belowRight Side

🛬 Landing at Moscow (SVO)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 24L (the most common arrival runway), you'll be descending southwest toward the airport. The left side offers views of central Moscow, including the Moskva River's distinctive loops and the urban sprawl of the city center. The right side faces the less developed northern suburbs and industrial areas.
Look forMoskva River with its characteristic meanders, Moscow city center skyline (including tall buildings around the Kremlin area), Sheremetyevo's terminal complex and parallel runways, suburban residential and industrial zones to the north
Left window seat view during landing at Moscow (SVO) — Moskva River with its characteristic meanders, Moscow city center skyline (including tall buildings around the Kremlin area), Sheremetyevo's terminal complex and parallel runways, suburban residential and industrial zones to the northLeft Side

Sheremetyevo is Russia's largest airport and Aeroflot's primary base, with terminals B, C, D, E, and F connected by an inter-terminal rail system. It handles the bulk of Moscow's long-haul international traffic alongside domestic flights.

⛰️ Elevation633 ft
🛫 Runways3 (06R/24L, 06C/24C, 06L/24R)
✈️ HubAeroflot, Rossiya Airlines, Nordwind Airlines

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Sheremetyevo (SVO)?

At Sheremetyevo in Moscow: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Moskva River with its characteristic loops and bends, Moscow Ring Road (MKAD) as a curved line defining the city boundary, extensive birch and pine forests of the Moscow region, Sheremetyevo's own terminal complex receding below.

What can I see during takeoff from Sheremetyevo in Moscow?

When taking off from Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 24C departures head southwest, placing the left side toward the northwest where the Moskva River's distinctive meanders and the forested areas around Moscow's outer ring are visible during climb-out. The right side faces the more built-up southern and southeastern suburbs with less dramatic geography. Notable sights include: Moskva River with its characteristic loops and bends, Moscow Ring Road (MKAD) as a curved line defining the city boundary, extensive birch and pine forests of the Moscow region, Sheremetyevo's own terminal complex receding below.

What can I see when landing at Sheremetyevo in Moscow?

When landing at Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 24L (the most common arrival runway), you'll be descending southwest toward the airport. The left side offers views of central Moscow, including the Moskva River's distinctive loops and the urban sprawl of the city center. The right side faces the less developed northern suburbs and industrial areas. Notable sights include: Moskva River with its characteristic meanders, Moscow city center skyline (including tall buildings around the Kremlin area), Sheremetyevo's terminal complex and parallel runways, suburban residential and industrial zones to the north.

What factors affect the best window seat at Sheremetyevo?

The best window seat at Sheremetyevo (SVO) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Moscow (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.