Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Lake Ontario's expanse during departure and the Atlantic crossing offers open water views. While left-side landing views are excellent, the takeoff advantage and the sheer scale of Lake Ontario visible from the right side make it the stronger choice overall.
Flown YYZ to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to London is 3,565 miles (5,738 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 5 hours. Notable features include: the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) visible shortly after departure if flying the northern route; the Atlantic coastline and Grand Banks fishing areas; the Irish coast and Wicklow Mountains appearing as the aircraft approaches European airspace; and the Irish Sea before crossing into the United Kingdom. The flight typically follows a great-circle route northeast across the Atlantic, with Greenland potentially visible far to the north on the horizon during the mid-ocean portion if conditions permit.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs eastward over the lake before turning northeast toward the Atlantic, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Toronto's waterfront and the lake's expanse.
Landing at LCY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views during the final approach into London City Airport. The aircraft descends over the Thames estuary and approaches from the south, giving left-side passengers views of the Thames, Canary Wharf, and central London landmarks before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to London. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Lake Ontario's expanse during departure and the Atlantic crossing offers open water views. While left-side landing views are excellent, the takeoff advantage and the sheer scale of Lake Ontario visible from the right side make it the stronger choice overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs eastward over the lake before turning northeast toward the Atlantic, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Toronto's waterfront and the lake's expanse. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto downtown skyline and CN Tower, Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline), Hamilton area to the west across the lake.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views during the final approach into London City Airport. The aircraft descends over the Thames estuary and approaches from the south, giving left-side passengers views of the Thames, Canary Wharf, and central London landmarks before touchdown. Notable sights include: River Thames and its meanders, Canary Wharf financial district, Tower Bridge area, Greenwich Peninsula and the O2 Arena.
How long is the flight from Toronto to London?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to City (LCY) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,565 miles (5,738 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 5 hours. Notable features include: the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) visible shortly after departure if flying the northern route; the Atlantic coastline and Grand Banks fishing areas; the Irish coast and Wicklow Mountains appearing as the aircraft approaches European airspace; and the Irish Sea before crossing into the United Kingdom. The flight typically follows a great-circle route northeast across the Atlantic, with Greenland potentially visible far to the north on the horizon during the mid-ocean portion if conditions permit.