Left wins at both ends of the flight. Over Taiwan the left side captures Taipei's urban core and river geography; over England it captures the Thames and London's skyline on descent. During the long overland cruise across Central Asia, left seats also face south toward the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau when routing over China and Kazakhstan, though at cruising altitude these appear as distant snow-capped ridgelines on the horizon rather than dramatic close-up views.
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Flight Path
Taipei to London is 6,090 miles (9,802 km), a flight of about 11 hours 50 minutes.
Routing typically crosses mainland China northwestward over Sichuan and Gansu provinces, then over Kazakhstan and the Central Asian steppe, across Russia south of the Urals, over Ukraine or Poland depending on current airspace restrictions, then across Germany and the North Sea into England. The Tibetan Plateau and Kunlun Mountains are visible as a vast high-altitude brown plateau from the left side over western China. The Caspian Sea appears as a large inland body of water from either side over Kazakhstan. The flat agricultural patchwork of the North European Plain dominates the final hours before the English coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TSA
LEFTSongshan airport's primary departure runway 10/28 means westbound flights to Europe typically depart heading west or northwest. A left (south-facing) seat gives you views over central Taipei's dense urban grid, the Tamsui River, and the Taipei Basin ringed by the Yangmingshan volcanic hills. Right seats face north toward suburban sprawl with less visual interest.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow's most common arrival is from the east on runway 27L/27R, meaning aircraft approach from the east heading west. Left (south-facing) seats get clear views over central London — the Thames, the City, and landmarks along the south bank — as the aircraft descends over east London. Right seats face north over suburban Middlesex with far less to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sungshan (TSA) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to London. Left wins at both ends of the flight. Over Taiwan the left side captures Taipei's urban core and river geography; over England it captures the Thames and London's skyline on descent. During the long overland cruise across Central Asia, left seats also face south toward the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau when routing over China and Kazakhstan, though at cruising altitude these appear as distant snow-capped ridgelines on the horizon rather than dramatic close-up views.
What can I see during takeoff from Sungshan in Taipei?
During takeoff from Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Songshan airport's primary departure runway 10/28 means westbound flights to Europe typically depart heading west or northwest. A left (south-facing) seat gives you views over central Taipei's dense urban grid, the Tamsui River, and the Taipei Basin ringed by the Yangmingshan volcanic hills. Right seats face north toward suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Taipei 101 skyscraper in Xinyi district, Tamsui River winding toward the coast, Yangmingshan National Park volcanic hills to the north visible from left as you bank, Taipei Basin urban grid.
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 most common arrival is from the east on runway 27L/27R, meaning aircraft approach from the east heading west. Left (south-facing) seats get clear views over central London — the Thames, the City, and landmarks along the south bank — as the aircraft descends over east London. Right seats face north over suburban Middlesex with far less to see. Notable sights include: River Thames snaking through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster in Docklands, The Shard and City of London skyline, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park visible to the southwest on final approach.
How long is the flight from Taipei to London?
The flight from Sungshan (TSA) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 11 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,090 miles (9,802 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to London flight path pass over?
Routing typically crosses mainland China northwestward over Sichuan and Gansu provinces, then over Kazakhstan and the Central Asian steppe, across Russia south of the Urals, over Ukraine or Poland depending on current airspace restrictions, then across Germany and the North Sea into England. The Tibetan Plateau and Kunlun Mountains are visible as a vast high-altitude brown plateau from the left side over western China. The Caspian Sea appears as a large inland body of water from either side over Kazakhstan. The flat agricultural patchwork of the North European Plain dominates the final hours before the English coast.