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CEK → SVO
Which side of the plane to sit from Chelyabinsk Balandino Airport (Chelyabinsk) to Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer views of the Ural Mountains and the vast Russian plains, the right side is generally superior for spotting major river confluences and the picturesque reservoir systems north of Moscow during the approach to Sheremetyevo.
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Central Ural Slopes
The geographic border between Asia and Europe, marked by the northern slopes of the Ural mountain chain.
Kama River Confluence
The massive scale of the Kama River joining the Volga, creating vast blue expanses near Kazan.
Kazan Panorama
Distant views of the Republic of Tatarstan's capital, often visible depending on the specific air corridor.
Nizhny Novgorod
The spectacular confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers, one of the most recognizable landmarks from the air.
Moscow Canal & Reservoirs
The 'Moscow Sea' (Ivankovo Reservoir) and the intricate canal system leading into the capital during the SVO arrival.
The right side offers softer lighting for photography as it faces north. It is the best side for viewing the reservoir chains (Gorky and Ivankovo) which are highlights of the arrival into Sheremetyevo. Watch for the 'Stairway of Reservoirs' in the final 20 minutes of the flight.
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Chelyabinsk Cityscape
Aerial view of the industrial heart of the Urals and the nearby Lake Smolino immediately after takeoff.
Southern Ural Ridges
Dense taiga forests and the ancient, weathered peaks of the Southern Ural range shortly after departure.
Bashkortostan Plains
The transition from mountains to the rolling agricultural steppes of the Bashkir Republic.
Volga-Kama Lowlands
Expansive views of the fertile central Russian plains and the southern reaches of the Volga basin.
Meshchera Woodlands
Dense pine forests and peat bogs characteristic of the Ryazan and Vladimir regions on the descent.
Sit on the left for better views of Chelyabinsk city during a westerly departure. Note that flying west, this side faces south; during mid-day flights, the sun will be direct, so keep your window shade ready to manage glare.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for RussiaDistance: 1,506 km (936 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs
Departure: CEK (55.305801, 61.5033)
Arrival: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)
Route Type: Domestic
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