While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides the most dramatic and distinctive scenery—the Faroe Islands' famous sea cliffs and fjord landscape are far more visually striking than Edinburgh's departure views.
Flown EDI to FAE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to Vagar is 444 miles (715 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea heading northwest. Midway, passengers may glimpse the Scottish coastline receding to the south (Fife Ness and the East Neuk), the open North Sea with its characteristic grey-blue waters, and approaching the Faroes, the first sightings of Shetland's northern waters. The transition from relatively flat Scottish terrain to the dramatic volcanic topography of the Faroes becomes apparent in the final 20 minutes of descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Pentland Hills and the Firth of Forth as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Edinburgh. The terrain rises immediately to the right, providing clear sightlines to these distinctive features during the initial climb.
Landing at FAE
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during approach to Faroe Islands. The aircraft descends from the southeast, and left-side passengers see the dramatic cliffs and fjords of Streymoy and Vágar islands, plus the characteristic steep terrain that defines the Faroes.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Vagar (FAE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Vagar. While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides the most dramatic and distinctive scenery—the Faroe Islands' famous sea cliffs and fjord landscape are far more visually striking than Edinburgh's departure views.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Pentland Hills and the Firth of Forth as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Edinburgh. The terrain rises immediately to the right, providing clear sightlines to these distinctive features during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Pentland Hills (south of Edinburgh), Firth of Forth (north), City of Edinburgh urban sprawl, Forth Road Bridge and rail crossings.
What can I see when landing at Vagar in Vagar?
When landing at Vagar (FAE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during approach to Faroe Islands. The aircraft descends from the southeast, and left-side passengers see the dramatic cliffs and fjords of Streymoy and Vágar islands, plus the characteristic steep terrain that defines the Faroes. Notable sights include: Streymoy's western cliffs (Kollafjørður area), Vágar's mountainous terrain, Sørvágsvatn lake (visible on Vágar), Atlantic Ocean swells and coastal features.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Vagar?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Vagar (FAE) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 444 miles (715 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to Vagar flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea heading northwest. Midway, passengers may glimpse the Scottish coastline receding to the south (Fife Ness and the East Neuk), the open North Sea with its characteristic grey-blue waters, and approaching the Faroes, the first sightings of Shetland's northern waters. The transition from relatively flat Scottish terrain to the dramatic volcanic topography of the Faroes becomes apparent in the final 20 minutes of descent.