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SOF destination photo
WAW destination photo

SOFWAW

Which side of the plane to sit from Sofia Airport (Sofia) to Warsaw Chopin Airport (Warsaw)?

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior perspective of the jagged High Tatras in Slovakia and captures the golden hour light during late afternoon flights over the Balkan and Carpathian ranges.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏔️

Vitosha Mountain

Immediately after takeoff from Sofia, you get a sweeping view of this massive dome-shaped massif towering over the city.

🌊

The Danube River

Watch as the flight crosses the natural border between Bulgaria and Romania, seeing the wide blue ribbon of the Danube winding through the plains.

⛰️

Western Carpathians

Fly over the rugged Apuseni Mountains in western Romania, characterized by deep valleys and limestone formations.

🏔️

High Tatras Peaks

The absolute highlight; clear views of Gerlachovský štít and the snow-capped, jagged peaks along the Slovak-Polish border.

🏰

Kraków Region

As you enter Polish airspace, the historic landscape of Lesser Poland unfolds, often featuring views of the Vistula river valley.

For the best experience, book an afternoon flight to see the sun illuminate the Western Carpathians and Tatras without direct glare. In winter, the snow-covered peaks of Slovakia are breathtaking. Choose a seat ahead of the wing for an unobstructed view of the mountain ranges as you cross the border into Poland.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🛤️

Iskar Gorge

A dramatic view of the Iskar River cutting through the Balkan Mountains shortly after departure from Sofia.

🌲

Transylvanian Alps

Excellent views of the Făgăraș Mountains, the highest and most alpine peaks of the Southern Carpathians in Romania.

🏘️

Transylvanian Plateau

The mosaic-like landscape of central Romania, dotted with historic Saxon villages and fortified churches.

💧

Vistula River Meanders

As the plane descends toward Warsaw, follow the serpentine path of Poland's longest river through the Masovian Lowland.

🏙️

Warsaw Skyline

Depending on the approach pattern (usually Runway 33), the right side often gets a direct view of the Palace of Culture and Science and the modern skyscrapers.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. Keep your camera ready during the final 10 minutes of the flight; if the pilot approaches Warsaw from the south, you'll have a perfect view of the city's modern skyline and the National Stadium.

Top Activities in Warsaw
Route Information

Distance: 1,069 km (664 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min

Departure: SOF (42.69669342041016, 23.411436080932617)

Arrival: WAW (52.1656990051, 20.9671001434)

Route Type: International

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