Sydney to Nanjing is 5,002 miles (8,049 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The takeoff from Sydney offers more dramatic and varied scenery—the Blue Mountains and Tasman Sea are visually striking. While the landing approach into Nanjing provides interesting urban and river views, the takeoff experience is more consistently scenic.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Coral Sea northeast of Australia, then traverses the Philippine Sea and approaches the Asian continent over the East China Sea. Notable midpoint geography includes the Philippines (visible as island chains if flying slightly south of direct routing), the Taiwan Strait region, and the Yangtze River delta approaching mainland China. Most of the flight occurs over open ocean with limited ground visibility.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Blue Mountains and the Tasman Sea as the aircraft climbs westward out of Sydney. Right seats face inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at NKG
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Yangtze River, Nanjing's urban sprawl, and the surrounding agricultural plains during the descent approach from the east. Left seats face less visually distinctive terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Lu Kou Airport (NKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Nanjing. The takeoff from Sydney offers more dramatic and varied scenery—the Blue Mountains and Tasman Sea are visually striking. While the landing approach into Nanjing provides interesting urban and river views, the takeoff experience is more consistently scenic.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Blue Mountains and the Tasman Sea as the aircraft climbs westward out of Sydney. Right seats face inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (inland, ~50 miles west), Tasman Sea (western horizon), Sydney Harbour and CBD (receding below during initial climb), Hawkesbury River valley.
What can I see when landing at Lu Kou Airport in Nanjing?
When landing at Lu Kou Airport (NKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Yangtze River, Nanjing's urban sprawl, and the surrounding agricultural plains during the descent approach from the east. Left seats face less visually distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Yangtze River (major waterway, distinctive meanders), Nanjing city proper (urban grid visible at lower altitudes), Jiangsu Province agricultural plains, Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan, eastern city landmark).
How long is the flight from Sydney to Nanjing?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Lu Kou Airport (NKG) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,002 miles (8,049 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Nanjing flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Coral Sea northeast of Australia, then traverses the Philippine Sea and approaches the Asian continent over the East China Sea. Notable midpoint geography includes the Philippines (visible as island chains if flying slightly south of direct routing), the Taiwan Strait region, and the Yangtze River delta approaching mainland China. Most of the flight occurs over open ocean with limited ground visibility.