Tromso to London is 1,405 miles (2,262 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
The right side wins overall because the Tromsø departure offers genuinely spectacular and rare scenery — Arctic fjords, island city, and the Lyngen Alps — that is far more visually dramatic than the London approach. During the cruise over Norway and the North Sea the right side also gets better views of the Norwegian coastline as the aircraft tracks south. The London landing on the left is excellent but shorter in duration.
Flight Path
After departing Tromsø the route tracks south-southwest over the Norwegian mainland, crossing the rugged fjord landscape of Nordland and Trøndelag counties. The flight then crosses the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea, with the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands potentially visible on the right side in clear conditions. Over England the route descends through the Midlands before the Thames Valley approach into Heathrow.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TOS
RIGHTTromsø Airport sits on Langøya island and departures heading southwest over Tromsøysundet strait give the right side views of Tromsø city on its island, the surrounding fjords, and the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Lyngen Alps to the east. The right side captures the full panorama of the island city and the fjord system as you climb out.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow's main landing direction on runway 27L/27R is from the east heading west, placing central London on the left side during the extended approach over the city. The left seat gets the Thames, the City of London skyline, and the progression of landmarks as the aircraft tracks the river westward toward the airport.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tromso (TOS) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tromso to London. The right side wins overall because the Tromsø departure offers genuinely spectacular and rare scenery — Arctic fjords, island city, and the Lyngen Alps — that is far more visually dramatic than the London approach. During the cruise over Norway and the North Sea the right side also gets better views of the Norwegian coastline as the aircraft tracks south. The London landing on the left is excellent but shorter in duration.
What can I see during takeoff from Tromso in Tromso?
During takeoff from Tromso (TOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Tromsø Airport sits on Langøya island and departures heading southwest over Tromsøysundet strait give the right side views of Tromsø city on its island, the surrounding fjords, and the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Lyngen Alps to the east. The right side captures the full panorama of the island city and the fjord system as you climb out. Notable sights include: Tromsø city centre on Tromsøya island, Tromsøysundet strait, Lyngen Alps peaks to the east, Kvaløya island to the west.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's main landing direction on runway 27L/27R is from the east heading west, placing central London on the left side during the extended approach over the city. The left seat gets the Thames, the City of London skyline, and the progression of landmarks as the aircraft tracks the river westward toward the airport. Notable sights include: Thames River bend at Greenwich, Canary Wharf towers, City of London skyline with The Shard, Windsor Castle on the far western approach.
How long is the flight from Tromso to London?
The flight from Tromso (TOS) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,405 miles (2,262 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tromso to London flight path pass over?
After departing Tromsø the route tracks south-southwest over the Norwegian mainland, crossing the rugged fjord landscape of Nordland and Trøndelag counties. The flight then crosses the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea, with the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands potentially visible on the right side in clear conditions. Over England the route descends through the Midlands before the Thames Valley approach into Heathrow.