While the left side offers a good Frankfurt departure view, the right side wins overall for the dramatic Edinburgh arrival over the Firth of Forth and Arthur's Seat. Mid-flight over the North Sea the right side also faces toward the English coast as you cross it near the Humber or Yorkshire, giving more visual interest than open water on the left.
Flown FRA to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Frankfurt to Edinburgh is 642 miles (1,033 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses the Rhine valley north of Cologne, then tracks over the Netherlands and the southern North Sea. You cross the English coast somewhere near the Humber Estuary or Yorkshire coast, then track north over the Pennines and Scottish Borders before descending into Edinburgh. The North Sea crossing takes roughly 30-40 minutes of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
LEFTFrankfurt typically departs northwest on runway 25C/25R, putting the left side facing south toward the Main River valley and Frankfurt city center. You get a clear view of the Frankfurt skyline and the Main River bending through the city as you climb out.
Landing at EDI
RIGHTEdinburgh typically lands on runway 06 or 24. On the common runway 24 approach from the northeast, the right side faces south toward the Firth of Forth, Arthur's Seat, and Edinburgh city center. You get a direct view of the castle rock and the Old Town as the aircraft descends over the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Edinburgh. While the left side offers a good Frankfurt departure view, the right side wins overall for the dramatic Edinburgh arrival over the Firth of Forth and Arthur's Seat. Mid-flight over the North Sea the right side also faces toward the English coast as you cross it near the Humber or Yorkshire, giving more visual interest than open water on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
During takeoff from Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Frankfurt typically departs northwest on runway 25C/25R, putting the left side facing south toward the Main River valley and Frankfurt city center. You get a clear view of the Frankfurt skyline and the Main River bending through the city as you climb out. Notable sights include: Frankfurt city skyline (Bankenviertel towers), Main River bend, Taunus hills to the north, Sachsenhausen district.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Edinburgh typically lands on runway 06 or 24. On the common runway 24 approach from the northeast, the right side faces south toward the Firth of Forth, Arthur's Seat, and Edinburgh city center. You get a direct view of the castle rock and the Old Town as the aircraft descends over the city. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth and Forth Rail Bridge, Arthur's Seat volcanic hill, Edinburgh Castle rock, Edinburgh Old Town.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Edinburgh?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 642 miles (1,033 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Frankfurt to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Rhine valley north of Cologne, then tracks over the Netherlands and the southern North Sea. You cross the English coast somewhere near the Humber Estuary or Yorkshire coast, then track north over the Pennines and Scottish Borders before descending into Edinburgh. The North Sea crossing takes roughly 30-40 minutes of the flight.