About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sheremetyevo (SVO) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Moscow to Shanghai. While takeoff from Moscow offers urban interest, the landing approach into Shanghai provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Yangtze Delta's waterway network, agricultural patchwork, and the transition into one of Asia's largest cities make the left side the better choice for the overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Sheremetyevo in Moscow?
During takeoff from Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Moscow's urban sprawl and the Moscow River system as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Sheremetyevo. You'll see the distinctive ring-road pattern of the city and surrounding forested terrain. Notable sights include: Moscow city center and Kremlin district, Moscow River meanders, Sheremetyevo airport complex, surrounding taiga forest.
What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Shanghai. You'll see the Yangtze River Delta's complex network of waterways, agricultural fields, and the gradual transition to Shanghai's urban sprawl before final approach to Hongqiao. Notable sights include: Yangtze River and its delta distributaries, Hangzhou Bay to the south, Shanghai's urban grid and Huangpu River, agricultural patchwork of Jiangsu Province.
How long is the flight from Moscow to Shanghai?
The flight from Sheremetyevo (SVO) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes Approximately 7.5 to 8 hours.
What does the Moscow to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Urals (visible as low mountain ridges around 4-5 hours into flight), then traverses the vast West Siberian Plain with scattered lakes and rivers. Crossing into Kazakhstan, the landscape becomes increasingly arid with the Kazakh Steppe dominating. The Tian Shan mountain range appears on the southern horizon in the final third of the flight. As the aircraft approaches China, the terrain becomes more varied with the transition into the North China Plain, followed by the Yangtze River valley with its distinctive agricultural landscape and waterway network.