Loading map...
GIG → LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for this route as it offers breathtaking views of the Rio coastline during departure and the iconic London city skyline during the standard approach into Heathrow.
Search flights from GIG to LHR
Rio South Zone
Unmatched views of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches shortly after banking north from Rio.
Recife Coastline
The dense skyscraper skyline and coral reefs of Brazil's northeastern 'Venice'.
Portuguese Riviera
First landfall in Europe often occurs near the dramatic cliffs of Cascais and Sintra.
Loire Valley
Aerial glimpses of the French countryside and historic chateaux as you cross into France.
Central London
On standard 'Easterly' approaches, the left side sees the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Thames.
Sit on the left for the 'River Effect' into London. Most GIG-LHR flights are overnight, arriving in the early morning. Ensure your window is clear for the sunrise over the Atlantic and the descent over the English countryside. If the plane lands towards the West (Runway 27R), the left side provides the most direct view of the city's historic center.
Get eSIMs for Brazil
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Sugarloaf Mountain
A stunning perspective of Rio's iconic granite peaks immediately after takeoff from GIG.
Fernando de Noronha
A rare chance to see this isolated volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic.
Galician Rias
The rugged, fjord-like inlets of Northwest Spain's lush green coastline.
English Channel
Spotting massive container ships and ferries navigating one of the world's busiest sea lanes.
Canary Wharf
Excellent views of London's financial district skyscrapers during the final descent.
The right side is excellent for catching the sunrise while crossing the equator. During the initial climb from Rio, the right side often gets a better view of the Guanabara Bay. For the London arrival, if the flight is placed in a holding pattern over North London, the right side provides a great perspective of the Olympic Park and the evolving East End skyline.
Book Hotels in LondonDistance: 9,253 km (5,750 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 53 min
Departure: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.