How do I access the Google Earth flight simulator?

Access it from the web version at earth.google.com. Click Explore Earth, open the Tools menu in the top bar, and select Flight Simulator, then pick a plane and starting point. The mobile app does not include it, so use a desktop browser.

Does Ctrl+Alt+A open the flight simulator in the web version?

No. Ctrl+Alt+A (Cmd+Option+A on Mac) only opens the flight simulator in the desktop Google Earth Pro app. In Google Earth on the web you open it from the Tools menu instead, after clicking Explore Earth.

Why is there no terrain or 3D buildings in the flight simulator?

By default the web flight simulator loads a flat, abstract basemap with no terrain. Open the basemap setting and switch it from Map to Satellite to load real 3D buildings and landscapes.

Why can't I find the flight simulator in Google Earth?

Make sure you are on earth.google.com on a desktop browser (not the mobile app) and that you clicked Explore Earth — the Tools menu, which holds Flight Simulator, only appears after that. If Tools is missing, refresh the page or update your browser.

Which plane should a beginner choose?

Beginners should choose the SR22. It flies slower and is far more forgiving than the F-16, making take-off, steering, and landing much easier to learn.

How to Start the Google Earth Flight Simulator

Last updated: 2026-06-24

To start the Google Earth flight simulator, open earth.google.com in a browser, click Explore Earth, then open the Tools menu and choose Flight Simulator. Pick the SR22 or F-16, choose a starting airport, and switch the basemap to Satellite so you get real 3D terrain. The old Ctrl+Alt+A shortcut is for the desktop Earth Pro app, not the web version.

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How to get the flight simulator on Google Earth

There is nothing to install or download. The flight simulator is built into the web version of Google Earth, so “getting” it just means opening it from the menu or with a keyboard shortcut. Follow the four steps below to get it running.

Step-by-step: open the flight simulator in 4 steps

Open Google Earth on the web and click Explore Earth. Go to earth.google.com in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox and click the Explore Earth button. The flight simulator now lives in the web version, so nothing needs to be downloaded or installed.
Open the Tools menu and choose Flight Simulator. In the top menu bar, open Tools and select Flight Simulator. (The old Ctrl+Alt+A / Cmd+Option+A keyboard shortcut only works in the desktop Google Earth Pro app, not in the web version — use the Tools menu instead.)
Pick your aircraft and starting point. Choose the SR22 (easier, slower) or the F-16 (faster, harder), then start from an airport or your current map location and click Start Flight.
Switch the basemap to Satellite, then take off. By default the web simulator loads a flat, abstract map with no terrain. Open the basemap setting and switch from Map to Satellite to get real 3D buildings and landscapes. Then press Page Up for throttle and pull back gently to lift off.

Web version vs Earth Pro: how to open it

Most people who can't find the flight simulator are mixing up the two versions. The viral 2026 simulator is in Google Earth on the web; the old Ctrl+Alt+A shortcut belongs to the desktop Earth Pro app.

Version	How to open the flight simulator
Google Earth on the web (earth.google.com)	Click Explore Earth → Tools menu → Flight Simulator. The keyboard shortcut does not work here.
Earth Pro desktop (Windows / Mac / Linux)	Tools menu → Enter Flight Simulator, or press `Ctrl`+`Alt`+`A` (`Cmd`+`Option`+`A` on Mac).
Mobile app (iOS / Android)	Not available — the flight simulator is desktop/web only.

What you need

A current browser — Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
A keyboard and mouse (a gamepad also works)
A stable internet connection for streaming 3D map data

Frequently asked questions

How do I get the flight simulator on Google Earth?: You do not need to download or install anything. Open earth.google.com in a browser, click Explore Earth, then open the Tools menu and choose Flight Simulator. Pick a plane and airport and click Start Flight. It is built in and free.
How do I access the Google Earth flight simulator?: Access it from the web version at earth.google.com. Click Explore Earth, open the Tools menu in the top bar, and select Flight Simulator, then pick a plane and starting point. The mobile app does not include it, so use a desktop browser.
Does Ctrl+Alt+A open the flight simulator in the web version?: No. Ctrl+Alt+A (Cmd+Option+A on Mac) only opens the flight simulator in the desktop Google Earth Pro app. In Google Earth on the web you open it from the Tools menu instead, after clicking Explore Earth.
Why is there no terrain or 3D buildings in the flight simulator?: By default the web flight simulator loads a flat, abstract basemap with no terrain. Open the basemap setting and switch it from Map to Satellite to load real 3D buildings and landscapes.
Why can't I find the flight simulator in Google Earth?: Make sure you are on earth.google.com on a desktop browser (not the mobile app) and that you clicked Explore Earth — the Tools menu, which holds Flight Simulator, only appears after that. If Tools is missing, refresh the page or update your browser.
Which plane should a beginner choose?: Beginners should choose the SR22. It flies slower and is far more forgiving than the F-16, making take-off, steering, and landing much easier to learn.

Sources & references

Fly around the world with the flight simulator — Google Earth Help (official)
Google Earth on the web — Google