Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely featureless ocean regardless of side, but the left side also gets a better angle on the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and Labrador coastline during the transatlantic crossing on the great circle route.
Flight Path
The great circle route from Budapest to Toronto passes over Austria and southern Germany, then across the Netherlands and exits Europe near the UK or Ireland, crosses the North Atlantic passing south of Iceland and over southern Greenland's ice cap, then tracks across Labrador and Quebec before descending into Ontario. Notable features include the Alps visible early in the flight, the Irish coastline, Greenland's southeastern glaciated fjords and ice sheet edge, the Labrador coast, and the boreal forest of Quebec.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUD
LEFTBudapest's main departure runway 31L/31R sends aircraft northwest, putting the left side facing back over central Budapest. You get a clear view of the Danube bend, Buda Castle Hill, and the city grid as you climb out. The right side faces open agricultural plains of the Pannonian Basin with little of interest.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTPearson typically uses runways 05/23 or 06L/06R for arrivals from the east. Approaching from the northeast on a westward final, the left side faces south over downtown Toronto, Lake Ontario, and the CN Tower. The right side looks north over suburban sprawl and flat Ontario farmland.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ferihegy (BUD) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Budapest to Toronto. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely featureless ocean regardless of side, but the left side also gets a better angle on the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and Labrador coastline during the transatlantic crossing on the great circle route.
What can I see during takeoff from Ferihegy in Budapest?
During takeoff from Ferihegy (BUD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Budapest's main departure runway 31L/31R sends aircraft northwest, putting the left side facing back over central Budapest. You get a clear view of the Danube bend, Buda Castle Hill, and the city grid as you climb out. The right side faces open agricultural plains of the Pannonian Basin with little of interest. Notable sights include: Danube River snaking through central Budapest, Buda Castle Hill and the Royal Palace, Margaret Island in the Danube, the flat Pannonian Plain stretching east.
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 typically uses runways 05/23 or 06L/06R for arrivals from the east. Approaching from the northeast on a westward final, the left side faces south over downtown Toronto, Lake Ontario, and the CN Tower. The right side looks north over suburban sprawl and flat Ontario farmland. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario shoreline and Toronto Islands, CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Harbour waterfront, suburban grid of Mississauga and Etobicoke.
How long is the flight from Budapest to Toronto?
The flight from Ferihegy (BUD) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Budapest to Toronto flight path pass over?
The great circle route from Budapest to Toronto passes over Austria and southern Germany, then across the Netherlands and exits Europe near the UK or Ireland, crosses the North Atlantic passing south of Iceland and over southern Greenland's ice cap, then tracks across Labrador and Quebec before descending into Ontario. Notable features include the Alps visible early in the flight, the Irish coastline, Greenland's southeastern glaciated fjords and ice sheet edge, the Labrador coast, and the boreal forest of Quebec.