Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic cruise the views are largely ocean regardless of side, but the left side also gives better angles on the Irish and British coastlines during the northern routing, and picks up the Alps on descent into Italian airspace.
Flown YYZ to CIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Rome is 4,418 miles (7,109 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northeast from Toronto over Lake Ontario, then across southern Ontario and Quebec before heading out over the North Atlantic near Newfoundland. The great circle path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland, then crosses Ireland and southern England or northern France. Over continental Europe the route descends across the Alps — the Swiss and Italian Alps are visible as a dramatic snow-covered mountain barrier — before crossing the Po Valley in northern Italy and descending south toward Rome.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTYYZ typically departs eastward on runways 05/06 or westward on 23/24/33. On an eastbound departure toward the Atlantic, the left side gives you a clear view south over Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto's skyline including the CN Tower. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with little of interest.
Landing at CIA
LEFTCiampino airport sits southeast of Rome, and aircraft typically approach from the northwest or west on runway 15. On approach from the northwest, the left side faces northeast directly over central Rome — you get a clear view of the Tiber River bends, the historic city center, and the Vatican. The right side looks south toward the Castelli Romani hills and the Tyrrhenian coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Ciampino (CIA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Rome. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic cruise the views are largely ocean regardless of side, but the left side also gives better angles on the Irish and British coastlines during the northern routing, and picks up the Alps on descent into Italian airspace.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. YYZ typically departs eastward on runways 05/06 or westward on 23/24/33. On an eastbound departure toward the Atlantic, the left side gives you a clear view south over Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto's skyline including the CN Tower. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands, Hamilton Harbour to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Ciampino in Rome?
When landing at Ciampino (CIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ciampino airport sits southeast of Rome, and aircraft typically approach from the northwest or west on runway 15. On approach from the northwest, the left side faces northeast directly over central Rome — you get a clear view of the Tiber River bends, the historic city center, and the Vatican. The right side looks south toward the Castelli Romani hills and the Tyrrhenian coast. Notable sights include: Tiber River bends through central Rome, Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica dome, Colosseum area and ancient city center, Castelli Romani volcanic hills to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Rome?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Ciampino (CIA) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,418 miles (7,109 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Rome flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast from Toronto over Lake Ontario, then across southern Ontario and Quebec before heading out over the North Atlantic near Newfoundland. The great circle path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland, then crosses Ireland and southern England or northern France. Over continental Europe the route descends across the Alps — the Swiss and Italian Alps are visible as a dramatic snow-covered mountain barrier — before crossing the Po Valley in northern Italy and descending south toward Rome.