About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tempelhof (THF) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Berlin to London. Left seat wins at takeoff for the Berlin overview, but right seat delivers the more spectacular and sustained payoff on the London approach with the Thames and city skyline. Over the cruise portion the views are broadly symmetrical, so the Heathrow arrival tips the balance to the right side overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Tempelhof in Berlin?
During takeoff from Tempelhof (THF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Tempelhof's primary runway 09L/27R means westbound departures head roughly west-northwest. A left (south) seat gives you a view back over central Berlin as you climb out, including the distinctive oval of the Tempelhof airfield itself and the Tiergarten park. Right seat faces north toward the less distinctive suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Tempelhof airfield terminal building and oval field, Tiergarten park and the Siegessäule column area, Potsdamer Platz high-rise cluster, Wannsee lakes to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant westerly operations mean most arrivals come in from the east on runway 27L or 27R. A right (north) seat on final approach gives you the Thames river snaking through London, the City of London skyline, and Canary Wharf well before touchdown. Left seat faces south over suburban Surrey with far less to see. Notable sights include: Thames river and its distinctive meanders through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, The Shard and City of London skyline, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the west on short final.
How long is the flight from Berlin to London?
The flight from Tempelhof (THF) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Berlin to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the North German Plain, crossing the Netherlands flatlands and the Rhine delta near Rotterdam, then the southern North Sea before descending into the Thames Estuary. The Rhine and Maas river mouths near Rotterdam are visible on clear days, and the North Sea crossing is typically 20-25 minutes of open water before the English coast appears near the Thames Estuary.