The right side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Budapest on departure you get the Danube and the historic city center, and on approach into Zurich you face south toward Lake Zurich and the Alpine panorama. The right side also looks toward the Austrian Alps during the cruise portion of the flight.
Flown BUD to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Budapest to Zurich is 500 miles (805 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The route crosses western Hungary and then Austria, passing near Vienna and over the Austrian Alps including the Hohe Tauern range. The Salzburg region and Inn Valley are visible below before crossing into Bavaria briefly and then into Switzerland over the Rhine Valley near the Vorarlberg region.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUD
RIGHTBudapest's runways 13/31 mean a westbound departure typically involves a right turn toward the city. The right side gives you a clear view over central Budapest including the Danube bend, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge as you climb out heading west.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTZurich typically uses runway 14/28 or 16/34 depending on wind. On approach from the east, the right side faces south toward the Alps, giving you a panoramic view of the Swiss Alps including the Glarus Alps and, on clear days, the Bernese Oberland peaks on the horizon. The right side also looks toward Lake Zurich as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ferihegy (BUD) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Budapest to Zurich. The right side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Budapest on departure you get the Danube and the historic city center, and on approach into Zurich you face south toward Lake Zurich and the Alpine panorama. The right side also looks toward the Austrian Alps during the cruise portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Ferihegy in Budapest?
During takeoff from Ferihegy (BUD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Budapest's runways 13/31 mean a westbound departure typically involves a right turn toward the city. The right side gives you a clear view over central Budapest including the Danube bend, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge as you climb out heading west. Notable sights include: Danube River through central Budapest, Buda Castle Hill, Chain Bridge, Gellért Hill.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Zurich typically uses runway 14/28 or 16/34 depending on wind. On approach from the east, the right side faces south toward the Alps, giving you a panoramic view of the Swiss Alps including the Glarus Alps and, on clear days, the Bernese Oberland peaks on the horizon. The right side also looks toward Lake Zurich as you descend. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Swiss Alps (Glarus Alps), Zurich city center, Limmat River valley.
How long is the flight from Budapest to Zurich?
The flight from Ferihegy (BUD) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 500 miles (805 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Budapest to Zurich flight path pass over?
The route crosses western Hungary and then Austria, passing near Vienna and over the Austrian Alps including the Hohe Tauern range. The Salzburg region and Inn Valley are visible below before crossing into Bavaria briefly and then into Switzerland over the Rhine Valley near the Vorarlberg region.