Amsterdam to Vienna is 596 miles (960 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The right side wins overall because it captures the spectacular Alpine crossing through southern Germany and Austria — the Bavarian Alps and the Inn Valley are on the right side as the flight tracks southeast. While the left side is better for Vienna landing, the right side delivers the most dramatic scenery during the cruise portion over the Alps.
Flight Path
The flight tracks southeast over the Netherlands, then across the Rhine near Cologne, through central Germany over Frankfurt and Nuremberg, before crossing the Bavarian Alps near Salzburg and descending into the Vienna Basin. The Bavarian Alps and the Inn Valley are the most dramatic visual feature, visible roughly 30-40 minutes before landing. The Rhine crossing near Cologne and the Main river near Frankfurt are also notable water features mid-flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTSchiphol typically departs eastbound on runway 22/04 or 18R/36L. On an eastbound departure, the right side gives you a clear view south over the city of Amsterdam, the Amstel river, and the patchwork of Dutch polders. The left side faces north toward open farmland with less to see.
Landing at VIE
LEFTVienna Schwechat typically lands from the east or northeast on runway 11/29 or 16/34. On approach from the northwest, the left side faces south and gives you the best view of the Vienna city center, the Danube, and the edge of the Alps to the southwest. The right side looks north toward flat Marchfeld farmland.
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 Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Vienna. The right side wins overall because it captures the spectacular Alpine crossing through southern Germany and Austria — the Bavarian Alps and the Inn Valley are on the right side as the flight tracks southeast. While the left side is better for Vienna landing, the right side delivers the most dramatic scenery during the cruise portion over the Alps.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Schiphol typically departs eastbound on runway 22/04 or 18R/36L. On an eastbound departure, the right side gives you a clear view south over the city of Amsterdam, the Amstel river, and the patchwork of Dutch polders. The left side faces north toward open farmland with less to see. Notable sights include: Amsterdam city center and canal ring, Amstel river snaking south, Dutch polder grid with windmills near Kinderdijk visible in the distance, Gouda and Utrecht urban areas to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Vienna Schwechat typically lands from the east or northeast on runway 11/29 or 16/34. On approach from the northwest, the left side faces south and gives you the best view of the Vienna city center, the Danube, and the edge of the Alps to the southwest. The right side looks north toward flat Marchfeld farmland. Notable sights include: Vienna city center with Ringstrasse and Prater visible, Danube river and Donauinsel island, Wienerwald forested hills to the west, distant Alps on the southwestern horizon.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Vienna?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 596 miles (960 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Amsterdam to Vienna flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over the Netherlands, then across the Rhine near Cologne, through central Germany over Frankfurt and Nuremberg, before crossing the Bavarian Alps near Salzburg and descending into the Vienna Basin. The Bavarian Alps and the Inn Valley are the most dramatic visual feature, visible roughly 30-40 minutes before landing. The Rhine crossing near Cologne and the Main river near Frankfurt are also notable water features mid-flight.