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LHR → SOF
Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to Sofia Airport (Sofia)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the English coastline, a distant but majestic panorama of the Alps, and a spectacular close-up of the Balkan Mountains and Vitosha during the descent into Sofia.
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Windsor Castle
Immediately after a westward takeoff, the historic royal residence is clearly visible near the end of the runway.
White Cliffs of Dover
A classic view of the English coastline and the busy shipping lanes of the English Channel before crossing into France.
The Alps
A breathtaking long-distance view of the snow-capped Austrian and Bavarian Alps shimmering to the south.
Lake Balaton
Central Europe's largest lake appears as a distinctive turquoise stripe in the Hungarian landscape.
Vitosha Mountain
During the final approach into Sofia, this massive mountain dome dominates the landscape immediately south of the city.
The right side is the 'scenic' choice for this route. To capture the White Cliffs, look out about 15-20 minutes after takeoff. The Alps will be visible roughly halfway through the flight; use a zoom lens for the best shots. On arrival in Sofia, the right side provides the most dramatic views of the Vitosha massif, especially beautiful during the 'golden hour' if taking an afternoon flight.
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Central London
If departing towards the east, enjoy a clear view of the Thames, The Shard, and the City of London skyline.
Brussels Cityscape
The route typically passes just north of the Belgian capital, offering views of the city's dense urban sprawl.
Vienna and the Danube
Aerial views of the Austrian capital and the winding Blue Danube river as the flight heads southeast.
Budapest Parliament
On clear days, the Hungarian Parliament building and the famous bridges of the Danube are visible to the north.
Pannonian Basin
The vast, flat agricultural landscapes of Hungary and Northern Serbia provide intricate geometric patterns.
Sit on the left if you are a fan of urban geography and nighttime city lights, as this side passes closer to major European capitals like Brussels, Vienna, and Budapest. For the best views of London, hope for an easterly departure (Runway 09). During winter months, the low sun from the south (right side) means the left side will have less glare for photography.
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Get eSIMs for BulgariaDistance: 2,041 km (1,268 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 43 min
Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Arrival: SOF (42.69669342041016, 23.411436080932617)
Route Type: International
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