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LGW destination photo
SOF destination photo

LGWSOF

Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Sofia Airport (Sofia)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior panorama of the European Alps and a dramatic view of Vitosha Mountain during the descent into Sofia.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

The English Channel

Deep blue waters dotted with shipping traffic shortly after departure from LGW.

🏔️

The Alps

Breathtaking views of the Swiss and Austrian Alps, featuring snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys.

💧

Lake Constance

A massive lake shared by Germany, Switzerland, and Austria visible mid-flight.

🏞️

Serbian Highlands

Rugged, mountainous terrain and deep valleys as the flight enters the Balkan Peninsula.

⛰️

Vitosha Mountain

The massive dome-shaped mountain that looms over the city of Sofia during the final approach.

The Alpine crossing is the peak scenic moment; aim for a window seat behind the wing to see the vast mountain range. On clear winter days, the snow-covered peaks are exceptionally brilliant. During landing at SOF, the right side provides the best angle of Vitosha Mountain.

Left Side Highlights
6.5
🏙️

Thames Estuary

Aerial views of the industrial and natural landscapes where the Thames meets the North Sea.

🌳

Ardennes Forest

Dense green rolling hills stretching across the borders of Belgium, Luxembourg, and France.

🏙️

Frankfurt Skyline

The 'Mainhattan' skyscrapers are often visible as the flight path passes over central Germany.

🌊

The Danube River

The winding path of Europe's second-longest river as it snakes through Hungary and Serbia.

⛰️

Stara Planina

The Balkan Mountains running through central Bulgaria, visible during the final descent.

For morning flights, the left side avoids direct sun glare, providing clearer views of the German Rhine-Main region and the Danube. Look for the distinct bend of the Danube near the border of Serbia and Romania.

Top Activities in Sofia
Route Information

Distance: 2,011 km (1,250 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 41 min

Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)

Arrival: SOF (42.69669342041016, 23.411436080932617)

Route Type: International

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