Xi'an to Moscow is 3,590 miles (5,777 km), a flight of about 8 hours.
The right side captures the Qinling Mountains during departure—one of China's most visually striking features—which outweighs the landing advantage of the left side. The flight path itself crosses the Loess Plateau and Central Asian highlands, but these are best appreciated from the right side during the initial westbound climb.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Loess Plateau (tan, eroded terrain with distinctive gullies visible from altitude), the Helan Mountains on the Ningxia-Inner Mongolia border, the Gobi Desert (sparse vegetation, tan-colored plains), the Altai Mountains in western Mongolia (snow-capped peaks in winter/spring), and the steppes of Kazakhstan before entering Russian airspace. The Yenisei River valley becomes visible in southern Siberia during the final westbound leg. Most of these features are best viewed from the right side of the aircraft during the cruise phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from XIY
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Qinling Mountains immediately south of Xi'an, which rise dramatically from the plains. The left side faces north toward flat terrain with less visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at SVO
LEFTLeft side provides views of Moscow's urban landscape and the Moskva River's serpentine curves as the aircraft descends toward Sheremetyevo. The right side faces less developed areas with fewer distinctive features during approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Xianyang (XIY) to Sheremetyevo (SVO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Xi'an to Moscow. The right side captures the Qinling Mountains during departure—one of China's most visually striking features—which outweighs the landing advantage of the left side. The flight path itself crosses the Loess Plateau and Central Asian highlands, but these are best appreciated from the right side during the initial westbound climb.
What can I see during takeoff from Xianyang in Xi'an?
During takeoff from Xianyang (XIY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Qinling Mountains immediately south of Xi'an, which rise dramatically from the plains. The left side faces north toward flat terrain with less visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Qinling Mountains (south), Wei River valley (north), Xi'an urban sprawl (directly below during climb), Zhongnan Mountains (distant southeast).
What can I see when landing at Sheremetyevo in Moscow?
When landing at Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of Moscow's urban landscape and the Moskva River's serpentine curves as the aircraft descends toward Sheremetyevo. The right side faces less developed areas with fewer distinctive features during approach. Notable sights include: Moskva River (multiple meanders), Moscow city center skyline (distant), Sheremetyevo airport complex (final approach), suburban Moscow sprawl.
How long is the flight from Xi'an to Moscow?
The flight from Xianyang (XIY) to Sheremetyevo (SVO) takes about 8 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,590 miles (5,777 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Xi'an to Moscow flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Loess Plateau (tan, eroded terrain with distinctive gullies visible from altitude), the Helan Mountains on the Ningxia-Inner Mongolia border, the Gobi Desert (sparse vegetation, tan-colored plains), the Altai Mountains in western Mongolia (snow-capped peaks in winter/spring), and the steppes of Kazakhstan before entering Russian airspace. The Yenisei River valley becomes visible in southern Siberia during the final westbound leg. Most of these features are best viewed from the right side of the aircraft during the cruise phase.