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EDI destination photo
STN destination photo

EDISTN

Which side of the plane to sit from Edinburgh Airport (Edinburgh) to London Stansted Airport (London)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior vantage point of the stunning North Sea coastline, historic castles of Northumberland, and the iconic Firth of Forth bridges shortly after takeoff.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌉

Firth of Forth Bridges

Dramatic aerial views of the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge and its modern counterparts immediately after departure.

🏰

Northumbrian Coast

Clear views of Holy Island (Lindisfarne) and the massive coastal fortress of Bamburgh Castle.

🌊

Yorkshire Coastline

See the rugged cliffs of Whitby and the sprawling beaches of Scarborough as the plane tracks south.

🦆

The Wash

A massive, distinct square-shaped bay and estuary known for its unique tidal patterns and wildlife habitats.

🎓

Cambridge City

Spot the historic university colleges and the distinct Chapel of King's College during the final descent phase.

Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the North Sea. This side provides a more diverse mix of maritime and historical landmarks. Ensure you have your camera ready within the first 10 minutes for the Forth Bridge.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
⛰️

Pentland Hills

Rolling regional park scenery located just to the south of Edinburgh's city limits.

🌲

Kielder Forest

The largest man-made woodland in England and the massive Kielder Water reservoir.

🏔️

The Pennines

The rugged 'backbone of England' featuring high moorlands and deep green valleys.

🏙️

Midlands Urban Centers

Aerial views of the sprawling industrial and residential areas of Leeds, Sheffield, and Nottingham.

🌳

East Anglian Countryside

A patchwork of agricultural fields and quaint villages as the aircraft enters the London TMA.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the Pennines. It offers a more 'green' landscape perspective focusing on the English interior. Note that cloud cover is often more frequent over the hills than the coast.

Top Activities in London
Route Information

Distance: 510 km (317 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 51 min

Departure: EDI (55.95000076293945, -3.372499942779541)

Arrival: STN (51.8849983215, 0.234999999404)

Route Type: Domestic

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