The left side captures Edinburgh's landmarks during the departure turn and, at the other end, the Alps and Lake Zurich during the final approach — bookending an otherwise flat cruise over England, the North Sea, and the Rhine plain. The right side misses both scenic highlights, facing open farmland and sea for most of the flight.
Flown EDI to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to Zurich is 776 miles (1,248 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses eastern England near Newcastle and Leeds, then the North Sea close to the Dutch coast, followed by the flat lowlands of the Netherlands and northern Germany before the terrain rises gradually into the Swiss Plateau.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
LEFTRunway 24 departures climb out to the southwest, then bank left onto the southeast course toward Europe. During that turn the left side sweeps past Edinburgh itself, giving a brief but clear view of the castle, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth with its bridges before the city gives way to farmland.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTZurich's daytime arrivals typically land on runway 28, approaching from the east and touching down heading west. On that final leg the left side faces south, revealing Lake Zurich and the snow-dusted Alps rising beyond the city, while the right side only shows the flatter Swiss countryside toward Germany.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Zurich. The left side captures Edinburgh's landmarks during the departure turn and, at the other end, the Alps and Lake Zurich during the final approach — bookending an otherwise flat cruise over England, the North Sea, and the Rhine plain. The right side misses both scenic highlights, facing open farmland and sea for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 24 departures climb out to the southwest, then bank left onto the southeast course toward Europe. During that turn the left side sweeps past Edinburgh itself, giving a brief but clear view of the castle, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth with its bridges before the city gives way to farmland. Notable sights include: Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, Firth of Forth road and rail bridges, Pentland Hills.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich's daytime arrivals typically land on runway 28, approaching from the east and touching down heading west. On that final leg the left side faces south, revealing Lake Zurich and the snow-dusted Alps rising beyond the city, while the right side only shows the flatter Swiss countryside toward Germany. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, the Alps (Glarus and Uri ranges), Uetliberg ridge, Zurich's southern suburbs.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Zurich?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 776 miles (1,248 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to Zurich flight path pass over?
The route crosses eastern England near Newcastle and Leeds, then the North Sea close to the Dutch coast, followed by the flat lowlands of the Netherlands and northern Germany before the terrain rises gradually into the Swiss Plateau.