Geneva to Shanghai flight pathGVAPVG

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time11h 15m
Distance5,755
Heading051° → 141°
Best side
RightMostly right

The right side captures the dramatic Alpine scenery during departure, which is the most visually distinctive segment of this route. While the landing approach offers coastal and urban views, the Alps provide more striking natural contrast.

Flown GVA to PVG? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Geneva to Shanghai is 5,755 miles (9,261 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Alps (initial climb), then traverses the Pannonian Plain and Carpathian Mountains over Central Europe, continues over the Black Sea region, crosses the Caucasus Mountains, and proceeds over the Caspian Sea, Central Asian steppes (Kazakhstan), and the Tian Shan mountains before descending into the North China Plain and approaching Shanghai from the west.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from GVA

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Alps as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Geneva. The Mont Blanc massif and surrounding peaks dominate the eastern horizon during the initial climb phase.

Mont Blanc (4808 m)Jura Mountains to the northLake Geneva to the west
GVA Geneva CointrinHub for easyJet, Swiss International Air Lines
Aerial window seat view during landing at Shanghai (left side) — Yangtze River estuary and delta, Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea coastline, Shanghai urban sprawl and Pudong skyline

Landing at PVG

LEFT

Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Shanghai. The Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the East China Sea coastline are prominent features as the aircraft descends from the west.

Yangtze River estuary and deltaHangzhou BayEast China Sea coastlineShanghai urban sprawl and Pudong skyline
PVG Shanghai Pudong InternationalHub for China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao Airlines

Will your flight be in sunlight?

Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Geneva to Shanghai. The right side captures the dramatic Alpine scenery during departure, which is the most visually distinctive segment of this route. While the landing approach offers coastal and urban views, the Alps provide more striking natural contrast.

What can I see during takeoff from Geneva Cointrin in Geneva?

During takeoff from Geneva Cointrin (GVA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Alps as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Geneva. The Mont Blanc massif and surrounding peaks dominate the eastern horizon during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Mont Blanc (4,808 m), Jura Mountains to the north, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to the west, Rhône Valley extending southward.

What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?

When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Shanghai. The Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the East China Sea coastline are prominent features as the aircraft descends from the west. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary and delta, Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea coastline, Shanghai urban sprawl and Pudong skyline.

How long is the flight from Geneva to Shanghai?

The flight from Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,755 miles (9,261 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Geneva to Shanghai flight path pass over?

The flight path crosses the Alps (initial climb), then traverses the Pannonian Plain and Carpathian Mountains over Central Europe, continues over the Black Sea region, crosses the Caucasus Mountains, and proceeds over the Caspian Sea, Central Asian steppes (Kazakhstan), and the Tian Shan mountains before descending into the North China Plain and approaching Shanghai from the west.