Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get Toronto's iconic skyline head-on, and at landing you get the South Downs and Sussex countryside. During the transatlantic cruise the left side also faces slightly more southward, giving marginally better views of southern Greenland's ice sheet and the Scottish Highlands on descent.
Flown YTZ to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to London is 3,559 miles (5,728 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over Quebec and Labrador, crosses the Labrador Sea, passes south of Greenland's ice cap where the southern tip (Cape Farewell) may be visible, then crosses Iceland's southern coast or just south of it, before tracking over the North Atlantic toward Scotland. The Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness area are visible on descent, followed by the Pennines and then the English Midlands before turning south toward Gatwick.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
LEFTBilly Bishop (YTZ) sits on the Toronto Islands, so takeoff on runway 08 (eastbound) puts the left side facing north over downtown Toronto. You get a direct broadside view of the CN Tower, the Financial District skyline, and the full sweep of Toronto's lakefront. Right side faces south over Lake Ontario with little to see.
Landing at LGW
LEFTGatwick's main runway 08L/26R means arrivals from the west typically land heading east (runway 08). On approach from the northwest, the left side looks south over the Surrey and Sussex countryside and gives a clear view of the South Downs. The right side faces north toward Greater London, but the final approach track keeps central London well off to the right and partially obscured by the wing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to London. Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get Toronto's iconic skyline head-on, and at landing you get the South Downs and Sussex countryside. During the transatlantic cruise the left side also faces slightly more southward, giving marginally better views of southern Greenland's ice sheet and the Scottish Highlands on descent.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Billy Bishop (YTZ) sits on the Toronto Islands, so takeoff on runway 08 (eastbound) puts the left side facing north over downtown Toronto. You get a direct broadside view of the CN Tower, the Financial District skyline, and the full sweep of Toronto's lakefront. Right side faces south over Lake Ontario with little to see. Notable sights include: CN Tower and Financial District skyline, Toronto Islands and harbour, Lake Ontario shoreline, Scarborough Bluffs to the east.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's main runway 08L/26R means arrivals from the west typically land heading east (runway 08). On approach from the northwest, the left side looks south over the Surrey and Sussex countryside and gives a clear view of the South Downs. The right side faces north toward Greater London, but the final approach track keeps central London well off to the right and partially obscured by the wing. Notable sights include: South Downs ridge line, Ashdown Forest, Crawley town grid below, Gatwick airport layout on short final.
How long is the flight from Toronto to London?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,559 miles (5,728 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to London flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over Quebec and Labrador, crosses the Labrador Sea, passes south of Greenland's ice cap where the southern tip (Cape Farewell) may be visible, then crosses Iceland's southern coast or just south of it, before tracking over the North Atlantic toward Scotland. The Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness area are visible on descent, followed by the Pennines and then the English Midlands before turning south toward Gatwick.