The right side wins on variety: a scenic Amsterdam departure is followed by a rare glimpse of southern Greenland's icy coastline during the ocean crossing, giving it terrain drama the left side lacks. The left side's main highlight is the brief but pleasant Toronto lake-shore approach, not enough to outweigh the right side's fuller mix of city, coast, and glacial scenery.
Flown AMS to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Amsterdam to Toronto is 3,722 miles (5,990 km), a flight of about 8 hours 35 minutes.
Southern Greenland's ice-capped coastline and fjords near Cape Farewell, the rugged Labrador coast, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence with Quebec's Laurentian foothills before the descent into Ontario
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTDeparting Schiphol, the initial climb typically tracks north before curving west, putting Amsterdam's canal ring and the IJsselmeer on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers also get a last look at the Dutch coast near IJmuiden as the plane heads out over the North Sea.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTPearson's arrivals often favor the 24 runways with the approach coming from the northeast, meaning the final descent passes just north of Lake Ontario. That puts downtown Toronto's skyline and the lake shoreline on the left side of the cabin during the last few minutes before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Toronto. The right side wins on variety: a scenic Amsterdam departure is followed by a rare glimpse of southern Greenland's icy coastline during the ocean crossing, giving it terrain drama the left side lacks. The left side's main highlight is the brief but pleasant Toronto lake-shore approach, not enough to outweigh the right side's fuller mix of city, coast, and glacial scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Schiphol, the initial climb typically tracks north before curving west, putting Amsterdam's canal ring and the IJsselmeer on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers also get a last look at the Dutch coast near IJmuiden as the plane heads out over the North Sea. Notable sights include: Amsterdam city center and canal ring, IJsselmeer, North Sea coastline near IJmuiden/Zandvoort.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Pearson's arrivals often favor the 24 runways with the approach coming from the northeast, meaning the final descent passes just north of Lake Ontario. That puts downtown Toronto's skyline and the lake shoreline on the left side of the cabin during the last few minutes before touchdown. Notable sights include: Toronto skyline including the CN Tower, Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Toronto?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 8 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,722 miles (5,990 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Amsterdam to Toronto flight path pass over?
Southern Greenland's ice-capped coastline and fjords near Cape Farewell, the rugged Labrador coast, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence with Quebec's Laurentian foothills before the descent into Ontario