Sydney to Guangzhou is 4,678 miles (7,529 km), a flight of about 9 hours 5 minutes.
The right side offers the harbour departure from Sydney, glimpses of the Queensland/Coral Sea coastline and Papua New Guinea's mountainous terrain during cruise, and a Pearl River Delta arrival into Guangzhou — a noticeably richer set of landmarks than the largely featureless open-ocean views on the left.
Flight Path
Coral Sea open water, the mountainous spine of Papua New Guinea (Owen Stanley Range), the island chains of the Philippines, and the South China Sea before descent into the Pearl River Delta
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
RIGHTDeparting Sydney on the northerly plan, the climb-out passes directly over Sydney Harbour and the northern beaches suburbs, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the harbour, Sydney Heads, and the Pacific coastline before the aircraft turns out over open water.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTArriving into Guangzhou Baiyun from the south during summer monsoon operations, the descent tracks over the Pearl River Delta, giving right-side views of the dense urban sprawl of Shenzhen and the winding Pearl River before the final turn into Baiyun's northern approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll 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 Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Guangzhou. The right side offers the harbour departure from Sydney, glimpses of the Queensland/Coral Sea coastline and Papua New Guinea's mountainous terrain during cruise, and a Pearl River Delta arrival into Guangzhou — a noticeably richer set of landmarks than the largely featureless open-ocean views on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Sydney on the northerly plan, the climb-out passes directly over Sydney Harbour and the northern beaches suburbs, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the harbour, Sydney Heads, and the Pacific coastline before the aircraft turns out over open water. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour and Harbour Bridge, North Head/South Head, Manly and Sydney's northern beaches, Pacific coastline.
What can I see when landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
When landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into Guangzhou Baiyun from the south during summer monsoon operations, the descent tracks over the Pearl River Delta, giving right-side views of the dense urban sprawl of Shenzhen and the winding Pearl River before the final turn into Baiyun's northern approach. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta waterways, Shenzhen/Dongguan urban sprawl, Pearl River tributaries, Guangzhou's outer suburbs.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Guangzhou?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 9 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,678 miles (7,529 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Coral Sea open water, the mountainous spine of Papua New Guinea (Owen Stanley Range), the island chains of the Philippines, and the South China Sea before descent into the Pearl River Delta