While the landing approach to London City offers compelling Thames and urban views from the left, the takeoff from Taipei provides more sustained scenic value—the Taiwan Strait, northern coastline, and volcanic plateau views last longer during climb-out. Right-side seats capture the more dramatic geography at the flight's beginning.
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Flight Path
Taipei to London is 6,072 miles (9,772 km), a flight of about 11 hours 35 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Eurasian continent over Central Asia (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan mountains visible at cruise altitude), then transitions over the Caspian Sea region, continues across southern Russia and Eastern Europe, and approaches Western Europe over the North European Plain. Notable features include the Pamir and Tian Shan mountain ranges (visible during mid-flight at cruise altitude as distant ridges), the Black Sea, and the Carpathian Mountains before descent into the Thames estuary.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TSA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Taiwan Strait and northern Taiwan's coastline during the initial climb-out from Sungshan. The strait's shipping lanes and the contrast between Taiwan's mountainous terrain and open water create compelling visual interest in the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at LCY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to London City Airport. The descent path over the Thames estuary and into East London reveals the river's meanders, the Isle of Dogs, and the distinctive urban geometry of central London—particularly the Canary Wharf cluster and the Thames' serpentine path through the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sungshan (TSA) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to London. While the landing approach to London City offers compelling Thames and urban views from the left, the takeoff from Taipei provides more sustained scenic value—the Taiwan Strait, northern coastline, and volcanic plateau views last longer during climb-out. Right-side seats capture the more dramatic geography at the flight's beginning.
What can I see during takeoff from Sungshan in Taipei?
During takeoff from Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Taiwan Strait and northern Taiwan's coastline during the initial climb-out from Sungshan. The strait's shipping lanes and the contrast between Taiwan's mountainous terrain and open water create compelling visual interest in the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait, northern Taiwan coastline, Yangmingshan volcanic plateau (visible inland), Taipei basin urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to London City Airport. The descent path over the Thames estuary and into East London reveals the river's meanders, the Isle of Dogs, and the distinctive urban geometry of central London—particularly the Canary Wharf cluster and the Thames' serpentine path through the city. Notable sights include: River Thames and its meanders, Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf financial district, North Sea coast and Essex marshlands.
How long is the flight from Taipei to London?
The flight from Sungshan (TSA) to City (LCY) takes about 11 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,072 miles (9,772 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Eurasian continent over Central Asia (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan mountains visible at cruise altitude), then transitions over the Caspian Sea region, continues across southern Russia and Eastern Europe, and approaches Western Europe over the North European Plain. Notable features include the Pamir and Tian Shan mountain ranges (visible during mid-flight at cruise altitude as distant ridges), the Black Sea, and the Carpathian Mountains before descent into the Thames estuary.