Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff climb offers the Meuse valley, and during cruise the right side faces south toward the Alps and Carpathian approaches. However, left-side passengers should switch seats for the final 30 minutes to capture Budapest's Danube and Buda Hills during descent.
Flown CRL to BUD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Charleroi to Budapest is 702 miles (1,130 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
During cruise over central Europe, the flight passes near the Vosges Mountains (eastern France), then over the Rhine valley and Swabian highlands (southern Germany). The Danube River becomes visible in the final hour as the aircraft approaches Hungary from the northwest. The Alps remain distant to the south throughout the flight but are not prominent from typical cruise altitude on this route. The terrain transitions from Belgian/French industrial zones through German agricultural and forested regions to the Hungarian plain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CRL
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Meuse River valley and the industrial landscape south of Brussels as the aircraft climbs southeast. The river's meandering course through the Walloon region is clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at BUD
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during approach to Budapest. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the Danube River's dramatic bend at Budapest, the city's distinctive layout across both banks, and the Buda Hills rising prominently on the western side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Brussels South (CRL) to Ferihegy (BUD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charleroi to Budapest. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff climb offers the Meuse valley, and during cruise the right side faces south toward the Alps and Carpathian approaches. However, left-side passengers should switch seats for the final 30 minutes to capture Budapest's Danube and Buda Hills during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Brussels South in Charleroi?
During takeoff from Brussels South (CRL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Meuse River valley and the industrial landscape south of Brussels as the aircraft climbs southeast. The river's meandering course through the Walloon region is clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Meuse River valley, Sambre River confluence, Charleroi industrial zone, Belgian-French border region.
What can I see when landing at Ferihegy in Budapest?
When landing at Ferihegy (BUD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during approach to Budapest. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the Danube River's dramatic bend at Budapest, the city's distinctive layout across both banks, and the Buda Hills rising prominently on the western side. Notable sights include: Danube River and its characteristic Budapest bend, Buda Hills, Pest flat plain, Margaret Island.
How long is the flight from Charleroi to Budapest?
The flight from Brussels South (CRL) to Ferihegy (BUD) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 702 miles (1,130 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charleroi to Budapest flight path pass over?
During cruise over central Europe, the flight passes near the Vosges Mountains (eastern France), then over the Rhine valley and Swabian highlands (southern Germany). The Danube River becomes visible in the final hour as the aircraft approaches Hungary from the northwest. The Alps remain distant to the south throughout the flight but are not prominent from typical cruise altitude on this route. The terrain transitions from Belgian/French industrial zones through German agricultural and forested regions to the Hungarian plain.