The left side wins overall for the spectacular Manhattan departure view, which is one of the most iconic urban aerial perspectives in the world. Mid-flight over the North Atlantic and UK offers limited differentiation by side, but the left side also picks up southern England coastline and potentially the English Channel crossing more directly. The right side has a slight edge on landing, but the takeoff view tips the balance.
Flown EWR to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Vienna is 4,242 miles (6,827 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northeast over Long Island, then crosses the North Atlantic passing south of Newfoundland and over the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland depending on the jet stream routing. It then crosses Ireland and the UK, passing over or near southern England before crossing the English Channel, northern France, and southern Germany before descending into Austria. The Rhine Valley and Black Forest are visible in the descent phase on clear days.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTEWR typically departs northeast on runway 22L/22R or north on 29, and a left-side seat gives you Manhattan's skyline and the Hudson River as you climb out. You'll see the full island of Manhattan with the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center clearly identifiable before banking east over Long Island Sound.
Landing at VIE
RIGHTVIE approaches typically come in from the west or northwest on runway 11/16, putting the right side facing south toward the Alps on the horizon and the Vienna city center. You'll see the Danube River cutting through the city and the historic Innere Stadt district before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Vienna. The left side wins overall for the spectacular Manhattan departure view, which is one of the most iconic urban aerial perspectives in the world. Mid-flight over the North Atlantic and UK offers limited differentiation by side, but the left side also picks up southern England coastline and potentially the English Channel crossing more directly. The right side has a slight edge on landing, but the takeoff view tips the balance.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR typically departs northeast on runway 22L/22R or north on 29, and a left-side seat gives you Manhattan's skyline and the Hudson River as you climb out. You'll see the full island of Manhattan with the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center clearly identifiable before banking east over Long Island Sound. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Upper New York Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Right side for the best views. VIE approaches typically come in from the west or northwest on runway 11/16, putting the right side facing south toward the Alps on the horizon and the Vienna city center. You'll see the Danube River cutting through the city and the historic Innere Stadt district before touchdown. Notable sights include: Danube River through Vienna, Vienna city center and Ringstrasse, Eastern Alps on the southern horizon, Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl) to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Newark to Vienna?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,242 miles (6,827 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Vienna flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over Long Island, then crosses the North Atlantic passing south of Newfoundland and over the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland depending on the jet stream routing. It then crosses Ireland and the UK, passing over or near southern England before crossing the English Channel, northern France, and southern Germany before descending into Austria. The Rhine Valley and Black Forest are visible in the descent phase on clear days.