The takeoff from Vancouver offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the North Shore Mountains are iconic and rise sharply from sea level. While the landing into London provides good urban geography views, the Gatwick approach is less visually striking than the mountain-and-water scenery of Vancouver's departure.
Flight Path
Vancouver to London is 4,734 miles (7,619 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
This eastbound transatlantic flight crosses the Canadian Rockies (visible during climb-out if heading southeast initially), the Arctic regions north of Canada and Greenland, the North Atlantic Ocean, and approaches the UK from the northwest over the Atlantic. The mid-flight hours offer little to no visible landmarks—primarily open ocean and Arctic ice fields. The most notable geographic transition occurs as you approach the UK coast, where you may see the Scottish Highlands or English coastline depending on the exact approach routing, typically entering UK airspace over the Irish Sea or North Sea.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during the initial climb-out from YVR. You'll see the North Shore Mountains rising dramatically to the north and west, with the Strait of Georgia stretching eastward. The city of Vancouver and its harbor remain visible below as you gain altitude.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTRight-side seats provide superior views during the descent into Gatwick. You'll see the Thames River winding through London's sprawl, the distinctive pattern of Greater London's urban development, and the green belt of Surrey and Sussex countryside south of the city. The approach path brings these features into clear view on the right side.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to London. The takeoff from Vancouver offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the North Shore Mountains are iconic and rise sharply from sea level. While the landing into London provides good urban geography views, the Gatwick approach is less visually striking than the mountain-and-water scenery of Vancouver's departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during the initial climb-out from YVR. You'll see the North Shore Mountains rising dramatically to the north and west, with the Strait of Georgia stretching eastward. The city of Vancouver and its harbor remain visible below as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress peaks), Strait of Georgia, Vancouver Harbor and downtown skyline, Burrard Inlet.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide superior views during the descent into Gatwick. You'll see the Thames River winding through London's sprawl, the distinctive pattern of Greater London's urban development, and the green belt of Surrey and Sussex countryside south of the city. The approach path brings these features into clear view on the right side. Notable sights include: Thames River and London's urban sprawl, Surrey and Sussex countryside (green belt), Gatwick Airport's parallel runways, South Downs ridge (distant).
How long is the flight from Vancouver to London?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,734 miles (7,619 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to London flight path pass over?
This eastbound transatlantic flight crosses the Canadian Rockies (visible during climb-out if heading southeast initially), the Arctic regions north of Canada and Greenland, the North Atlantic Ocean, and approaches the UK from the northwest over the Atlantic. The mid-flight hours offer little to no visible landmarks—primarily open ocean and Arctic ice fields. The most notable geographic transition occurs as you approach the UK coast, where you may see the Scottish Highlands or English coastline depending on the exact approach routing, typically entering UK airspace over the Irish Sea or North Sea.