Loading map...
HEL β WAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Warsaw Chopin Airport (Warsaw)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more varied landscape, featuring the scenic Helsinki archipelago at departure, the urban coastlines of the Baltic States, and the dense network of the Masurian Lake District in northern Poland.
Helsinki Archipelago
A stunning view of thousands of forested islands immediately after taking off from HEL.
Tallinn Coastline
Clear views across the Gulf of Finland of the Estonian capital and its historic harbor.
Gulf of Riga
The route often passes near the Latvian coast, offering views of the vast bay and coastal forests.
Masurian Lake District
As you enter Polish airspace, you will see the shimmering 'Land of a Thousand Lakes' from high altitude.
Warsaw Skyline
On the final approach to WAW, the left side often provides a panoramic view of the Palace of Culture and Science and the city's modern skyscrapers.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is particularly rewarding during the descent into Poland when the glacial lakes of Masuria become visible. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff to capture the complex island patterns near Helsinki.
Gulf of Finland
Expansive views of the maritime corridor between Finland and Estonia.
Estonian Islands
The islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are frequently visible to the west during the cruise phase.
Curonian Spit
A unique, narrow sand dune spit separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea.
Baltic Sea Horizon
Deep blue waters and distant cargo ships navigating the major northern European shipping lanes.
Kampinos National Park
A massive forest complex located just northwest of Warsaw, visible during the final descent.
The right side is the preferred choice for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Baltic Sea. Watch for the distinctive shape of the Curonian Spit near the Lithuanian/Kaliningrad border, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and highly recognizable from the air.
Distance: 939 km (583 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: WAW (52.1656990051, 20.9671001434)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.