The right side wins overall because the Costa Smeralda and Tavolara island arrival scenery is genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. The takeoff from AMS on the left is interesting but relatively flat and urban. Switching to the right for the Sardinian approach gives you the best single view of the flight.
Flight Path
The flight tracks southeast over Belgium and Luxembourg, then across the French Alps where Mont Blanc and the main Alpine chain are visible on clear days (left side, east). It then crosses the Gulf of Lyon and the French Mediterranean coast near Marseille, passes over Corsica's mountainous interior, and descends toward northern Sardinia over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
LEFTSchiphol typically departs southbound on runway 18R or 18C, meaning the left (east) side gives you a clear view over Amsterdam city center, the IJ river, and the historic canal ring as you climb out. The right side faces west toward open polder farmland and the North Sea coast.
Landing at OLB
RIGHTOLB runway 05/23 is most commonly used, with approaches from the southwest over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Landing on runway 05 (northeast-bound), the right side faces southeast toward the rugged granite hills of the Gallura interior and the Costa Smeralda coastline with its inlets and islands. The left side looks northwest over open water.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Olbia. The right side wins overall because the Costa Smeralda and Tavolara island arrival scenery is genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. The takeoff from AMS on the left is interesting but relatively flat and urban. Switching to the right for the Sardinian approach gives you the best single view of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol typically departs southbound on runway 18R or 18C, meaning the left (east) side gives you a clear view over Amsterdam city center, the IJ river, and the historic canal ring as you climb out. The right side faces west toward open polder farmland and the North Sea coast. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring and Amstel river, IJmeer lake to the northeast, Haarlemmermeerpolder flat agricultural grid below, A10 ring road arc around the city.
What can I see when landing at Olbia Costa Smeralda in Olbia?
When landing at Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB), sit on the Right side for the best views. OLB runway 05/23 is most commonly used, with approaches from the southwest over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Landing on runway 05 (northeast-bound), the right side faces southeast toward the rugged granite hills of the Gallura interior and the Costa Smeralda coastline with its inlets and islands. The left side looks northwest over open water. Notable sights include: Costa Smeralda coastline and Porto Cervo inlet, Golfo di Olbia bay, granite hills of the Gallura region, Tavolara island (distinctive flat-topped rock rising from the sea southeast of Olbia).
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Olbia?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Amsterdam to Olbia flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over Belgium and Luxembourg, then across the French Alps where Mont Blanc and the main Alpine chain are visible on clear days (left side, east). It then crosses the Gulf of Lyon and the French Mediterranean coast near Marseille, passes over Corsica's mountainous interior, and descends toward northern Sardinia over the Tyrrhenian Sea.