Paris to Riga is 1,039 miles (1,672 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior landing scenery—the Daugava River, Riga's historic Old Town, and Baltic coastline provide genuine visual interest and recognizable landmarks. Takeoff is comparable on both sides, but the landing advantage on the right side is decisive for a northbound flight.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North European Plain, passing over Belgium (Meuse River valley), the Netherlands (Rhine delta region), northern Germany (North German Plain), and southern Denmark before crossing the Baltic Sea toward Latvia. Notable midpoint features include the Rhine-Meuse delta, the Kiel Canal region in Schleswig-Holstein, and the open Baltic Sea crossing (approximately 1 hour of water with no dramatic features).
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTRight side captures the Seine valley and Île-de-France region during climb-out from CDG, with Paris city sprawl visible below. Left side faces northwest toward Normandy's relatively flat agricultural plains with minimal dramatic features.
Landing at RIX
RIGHTRight side (north/northeast approach) offers views of the Gauja River valley, Riga's Old Town and Daugava River during descent, plus the Baltic coastline and Gulf of Riga. Left side faces inland toward flat Latvian agricultural plains with minimal visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Riga International Airport (RIX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Riga. Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior landing scenery—the Daugava River, Riga's historic Old Town, and Baltic coastline provide genuine visual interest and recognizable landmarks. Takeoff is comparable on both sides, but the landing advantage on the right side is decisive for a northbound flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Seine valley and Île-de-France region during climb-out from CDG, with Paris city sprawl visible below. Left side faces northwest toward Normandy's relatively flat agricultural plains with minimal dramatic features. Notable sights include: Paris metropolitan area and Seine meanders, Versailles region, Fontainebleau forest to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Riga International Airport in Riga?
When landing at Riga International Airport (RIX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (north/northeast approach) offers views of the Gauja River valley, Riga's Old Town and Daugava River during descent, plus the Baltic coastline and Gulf of Riga. Left side faces inland toward flat Latvian agricultural plains with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Daugava River and Riga Old Town, Gulf of Riga coastline, Gauja River valley to the northeast.
How long is the flight from Paris to Riga?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Riga International Airport (RIX) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,039 miles (1,672 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Riga flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North European Plain, passing over Belgium (Meuse River valley), the Netherlands (Rhine delta region), northern Germany (North German Plain), and southern Denmark before crossing the Baltic Sea toward Latvia. Notable midpoint features include the Rhine-Meuse delta, the Kiel Canal region in Schleswig-Holstein, and the open Baltic Sea crossing (approximately 1 hour of water with no dramatic features).