The left side bookends an otherwise ocean-dominated flight with two genuinely strong scenic moments: the Toronto skyline and lake at departure, and the Sydney Harbour coastal approach at arrival, giving it a clear edge over the right side's largely featureless views.
Flight Path
Great Lakes and Canadian Shield lowlands giving way to the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains near the US-Canada border, then a vast multi-hour crossing of the open Pacific Ocean passing well south of Hawaii before nearing the Tasman Sea and the New South Wales coast on approach to Sydney
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTDepartures from YYZ toward the west typically use runway 23/24L, and the initial climbing turn puts downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario on the left side of the aircraft. Right-side passengers see mostly the flat suburban sprawl north of the airport with no comparable landmark.
Landing at SYD
LEFTArrivals into Sydney from the north commonly fly the coastal approach into runway 16R, tracking south past the northern beaches and the harbour before turning onto final. This puts Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the CBD skyline on the left side of the cabin during descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Sydney. The left side bookends an otherwise ocean-dominated flight with two genuinely strong scenic moments: the Toronto skyline and lake at departure, and the Sydney Harbour coastal approach at arrival, giving it a clear edge over the right side's largely featureless views.
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. Departures from YYZ toward the west typically use runway 23/24L, and the initial climbing turn puts downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario on the left side of the aircraft. Right-side passengers see mostly the flat suburban sprawl north of the airport with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into Sydney from the north commonly fly the coastal approach into runway 16R, tracking south past the northern beaches and the harbour before turning onto final. This puts Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the CBD skyline on the left side of the cabin during descent. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, northern beaches coastline, Botany Bay near the airport.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Sydney?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes 19h 45m.
What does the Toronto to Sydney flight path pass over?
Great Lakes and Canadian Shield lowlands giving way to the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains near the US-Canada border, then a vast multi-hour crossing of the open Pacific Ocean passing well south of Hawaii before nearing the Tasman Sea and the New South Wales coast on approach to Sydney