The right side offers the only real terrain variation on this route — glimpses of Alpine foothills and the Vienna Woods during descent — while the left side over the North Sea coast and North German Plain stays largely flat and featureless.
Flown EDI to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to Vienna is 1,000 miles (1,610 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
North Sea coastline near the Netherlands, flat plains of northern Germany, and the beginnings of Alpine foothills as the route nears Austria
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
LEFTDeparting runway 24 to the southwest, the aircraft's left-turn onto its easterly course brings Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth estuary into view on the north (left) side before the plane settles onto its cruise heading over northern England.
Landing at VIE
RIGHTOn approach into Vienna from the west, the descent path passes south of the Vienna Woods with the foothills of the Austrian Alps and the Semmering region visible off the right side before the final turn onto runway 16 or 34 over the Danube plain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Vienna. The right side offers the only real terrain variation on this route — glimpses of Alpine foothills and the Vienna Woods during descent — while the left side over the North Sea coast and North German Plain stays largely flat and featureless.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing runway 24 to the southwest, the aircraft's left-turn onto its easterly course brings Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth estuary into view on the north (left) side before the plane settles onto its cruise heading over northern England. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Edinburgh city center and Arthur's Seat, Forth road and rail bridges.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Vienna from the west, the descent path passes south of the Vienna Woods with the foothills of the Austrian Alps and the Semmering region visible off the right side before the final turn onto runway 16 or 34 over the Danube plain. Notable sights include: Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), Alpine foothills near Semmering, Danube River, Vienna city skyline.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Vienna?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,000 miles (1,610 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to Vienna flight path pass over?
North Sea coastline near the Netherlands, flat plains of northern Germany, and the beginnings of Alpine foothills as the route nears Austria