While the Sydney Harbour departure is spectacular, the left side offers a more varied full flight: glimpses of the Great Barrier Reef edge and Coral Sea islands, the mountainous spine of Papua New Guinea and the Philippines during cruise, and a close-up of the Taipei 101 skyline on final approach into Sungshan.
Flown SYD to TSA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Taipei is 4,517 miles (7,270 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
Coral Sea and the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the Owen Stanley Range of Papua New Guinea, the Philippine Sea, and the volcanic peaks of Luzon Island before crossing the Bashi Channel into Taiwan
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
RIGHTDeparting north from Sydney on the parallel runways, the aircraft climbs out past Botany Bay and curves along the coast, putting Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Eastern Suburbs beaches squarely on the right side. The left side only shows the flatter western suburbs fading toward the Blue Mountains.
Landing at TSA
LEFTOn a typical fall/winter approach into Sungshan (runway 28), the aircraft descends from the east along the Keelung River valley and flies westward into the Taipei Basin. Taipei 101 and the dense downtown skyline sit to the south, placing them on the left side of the cabin, while the volcanic Yangmingshan peaks appear more distantly on the right.
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 Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Taipei. While the Sydney Harbour departure is spectacular, the left side offers a more varied full flight: glimpses of the Great Barrier Reef edge and Coral Sea islands, the mountainous spine of Papua New Guinea and the Philippines during cruise, and a close-up of the Taipei 101 skyline on final approach into Sungshan.
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 north from Sydney on the parallel runways, the aircraft climbs out past Botany Bay and curves along the coast, putting Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Eastern Suburbs beaches squarely on the right side. The left side only shows the flatter western suburbs fading toward the Blue Mountains. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach coastline, Botany Bay.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On a typical fall/winter approach into Sungshan (runway 28), the aircraft descends from the east along the Keelung River valley and flies westward into the Taipei Basin. Taipei 101 and the dense downtown skyline sit to the south, placing them on the left side of the cabin, while the volcanic Yangmingshan peaks appear more distantly on the right. Notable sights include: Taipei 101, Keelung River, Taipei Basin skyline, Songshan District.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Taipei?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,517 miles (7,270 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Taipei flight path pass over?
Coral Sea and the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the Owen Stanley Range of Papua New Guinea, the Philippine Sea, and the volcanic peaks of Luzon Island before crossing the Bashi Channel into Taiwan