The right side wins on the strength of the Sydney Harbour departure, a rare and iconic low-altitude view that outshines the more distant, hazier Shanghai skyline glimpse on arrival. With roughly nine hours of open ocean (Coral Sea, Philippine Sea, East China Sea) dominating the cruise, the takeoff sequence is the single biggest differentiator, tipping the balance to the right.
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Flight Path
Sydney to Shanghai is 4,887 miles (7,865 km), a flight of about 10 hours 55 minutes.
Coral Sea, the coastline and mountains of Papua New Guinea, the Philippine Sea, the South China Sea near Taiwan, and the East China Sea approaching the Chinese coast
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
RIGHTDeparting Sydney on runway 34 heads almost due north, taking the aircraft directly over Sydney Harbour moments after liftoff. Passengers on the right get a classic, fleeting view of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and CBD skyline before the aircraft turns onto its oceanic track toward Asia.
Landing at PVG
LEFTArriving from the south, the aircraft tracks north over Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze Delta before lining up on Pudong's runways. Left-side passengers get the better vantage of the tidal mudflats, patchwork farmland and canals, with Shanghai's Pudong skyline visible in the distance to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Shanghai. The right side wins on the strength of the Sydney Harbour departure, a rare and iconic low-altitude view that outshines the more distant, hazier Shanghai skyline glimpse on arrival. With roughly nine hours of open ocean (Coral Sea, Philippine Sea, East China Sea) dominating the cruise, the takeoff sequence is the single biggest differentiator, tipping the balance to the right.
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 runway 34 heads almost due north, taking the aircraft directly over Sydney Harbour moments after liftoff. Passengers on the right get a classic, fleeting view of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and CBD skyline before the aircraft turns onto its oceanic track toward Asia. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Sydney CBD skyline.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving from the south, the aircraft tracks north over Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze Delta before lining up on Pudong's runways. Left-side passengers get the better vantage of the tidal mudflats, patchwork farmland and canals, with Shanghai's Pudong skyline visible in the distance to the west. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay coastline, Yangtze River Delta farmland and canals, distant Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower), coastal wetlands near Pudong airport.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Shanghai?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 10 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,887 miles (7,865 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Coral Sea, the coastline and mountains of Papua New Guinea, the Philippine Sea, the South China Sea near Taiwan, and the East China Sea approaching the Chinese coast