While takeoff offers good views of Taiwan's geography, the landing approach into Sydney provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Blue Mountains, Parramatta River system, and the approach over the Cumberland Plain are more visually distinctive than the northbound departure from Taipei.
Flown TSA to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Taipei to Sydney is 4,517 miles (7,270 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Coral Sea northeast of Australia. Notable midpoint geography includes the Great Barrier Reef region (visible on clear days around 8-10 hours into flight), the Queensland coast near Cairns and the Whitsunday Islands, and the transition from tropical to temperate waters as the aircraft descends toward Sydney. The flight passes over open ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with minimal visible landmarks; the most dramatic midpoint feature is the Australian continent appearing on the horizon approximately 2-3 hours before landing, with the Queensland coast becoming visible first.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from TSA
RIGHTTaipei typically departs northbound (runways 10L/10R), so right-side seats face toward the Taiwan Strait and northern Taiwan's coastline. You'll see the Tamsui River delta and the northern coastal plain receding beneath the aircraft.
Landing at SYD
LEFTSydney typically lands from the east on runways 07L/07R (westbound approach). Left-side seats face south and southwest, providing views of the Tasman Sea approach, the Blue Mountains on the horizon, and the final descent over the Cumberland Plain.
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 Sungshan (TSA) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Sydney. While takeoff offers good views of Taiwan's geography, the landing approach into Sydney provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Blue Mountains, Parramatta River system, and the approach over the Cumberland Plain are more visually distinctive than the northbound departure from Taipei.
What can I see during takeoff from Sungshan in Taipei?
During takeoff from Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Taipei typically departs northbound (runways 10L/10R), so right-side seats face toward the Taiwan Strait and northern Taiwan's coastline. You'll see the Tamsui River delta and the northern coastal plain receding beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: Tamsui River estuary, Taipei Basin urban sprawl, northern Taiwan coastline, Yangmingshan volcanic plateau to the west.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sydney typically lands from the east on runways 07L/07R (westbound approach). Left-side seats face south and southwest, providing views of the Tasman Sea approach, the Blue Mountains on the horizon, and the final descent over the Cumberland Plain. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (Great Dividing Range), Parramatta River valley, Sydney Harbour approaches, Cumberland Plain agricultural areas.
How long is the flight from Taipei to Sydney?
The flight from Sungshan (TSA) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) 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 Taipei to Sydney flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Coral Sea northeast of Australia. Notable midpoint geography includes the Great Barrier Reef region (visible on clear days around 8-10 hours into flight), the Queensland coast near Cairns and the Whitsunday Islands, and the transition from tropical to temperate waters as the aircraft descends toward Sydney. The flight passes over open ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with minimal visible landmarks; the most dramatic midpoint feature is the Australian continent appearing on the horizon approximately 2-3 hours before landing, with the Queensland coast becoming visible first.