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HEL → BUD
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Baltic coastline, the historic centers of major Baltic cities, and the most dramatic perspectives of the High Tatra mountains during the descent.
Helsinki Archipelago
Breathtaking views of thousands of small islands scattered across the Gulf of Finland immediately after takeoff from HEL.
Tallinn Old Town
On a clear day, the distinct medieval spires and red roofs of the Estonian capital are visible shortly after crossing the gulf.
Gulf of Riga
A sweeping view of the Latvian coastline and the sprawling urban layout of Riga as the flight heads south.
Warsaw Skyline
The flight path often passes near the Polish capital, offering a view of its modern skyscrapers and the Vistula river.
High Tatra Mountains
Dramatic, jagged peaks on the border of Poland and Slovakia, providing the scenic highlight of the journey.
Danube Bend
The scenic curve of the Danube river near Visegrád as the plane prepares for its final approach into Budapest.
Choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you for the best photography of the Baltic coast. During winter months, the snow-capped Tatras are a spectacular sight, so aim for a window seat away from the wing to capture the full mountain range.
Baltic Sea Traffic
Observe the busy shipping lanes of the Baltic Sea with numerous ferries and cargo ships traversing between Finland and Estonia.
Masurian Lake District
A vast landscape of thousands of lakes and dense forests in northeastern Poland appearing like a green mosaic.
Kraków and Wawel
Potential views of the historic Polish city of Kraków and its iconic hilltop castle as you cross into Central Europe.
Slovakian Highlands
Rolling green hills and deep valleys of central Slovakia, often dotted with small rural villages and castles.
Budapest Parliament
Depending on the landing direction (Runway 31L/R), the right side often gets a spectacular view of the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle.
For evening flights, the right side captures the sunset over the Polish plains. When landing towards the southeast, the right side is preferred for views of the Budapest city center and the Gellért Hill.
Distance: 1,480 km (920 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 58 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: BUD (47.429759999999995, 19.261093)
Route Type: International
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