The GVA–VIE routing hugs the northern edge of the Alps, keeping mountain scenery, Mont Blanc at departure, and the Vienna Woods and Austrian Alpine foothills at arrival, consistently on the right side, while the left side mostly overlooks the flatter Swiss and Austrian lowlands.
Flown GVA to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Geneva to Vienna is 508 miles (817 km), a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
The route crosses the eastern Swiss Alps near Graubünden and the Vorarlberg region of western Austria, passing south of Lake Constance and north of the main Alpine crest before descending toward the Vienna basin.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GVA
RIGHTDeparting GVA on runway 22 the aircraft climbs southwest over Lake Geneva before banking left onto its ENE routing toward Austria. As that turn completes, the Alpine wall including Mont Blanc's massif and the Bernese peaks sits off the right side, while the left shows only the Jura hills and Swiss plateau.
Landing at VIE
RIGHTOn approach into VIE from the west, the aircraft tracks along the northern edge of the Alps before descending over the Vienna Woods. The right side offers views of the forested hills and the Schneeberg foothills, while the left mostly shows the flat Danube basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Geneva to Vienna. The GVA–VIE routing hugs the northern edge of the Alps, keeping mountain scenery, Mont Blanc at departure, and the Vienna Woods and Austrian Alpine foothills at arrival, consistently on the right side, while the left side mostly overlooks the flatter Swiss and Austrian lowlands.
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. Departing GVA on runway 22 the aircraft climbs southwest over Lake Geneva before banking left onto its ENE routing toward Austria. As that turn completes, the Alpine wall including Mont Blanc's massif and the Bernese peaks sits off the right side, while the left shows only the Jura hills and Swiss plateau. Notable sights include: Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc massif, Jura mountains, Salève ridge.
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 VIE from the west, the aircraft tracks along the northern edge of the Alps before descending over the Vienna Woods. The right side offers views of the forested hills and the Schneeberg foothills, while the left mostly shows the flat Danube basin. Notable sights include: Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), Schneeberg foothills, Danube River, Vienna city outskirts.
How long is the flight from Geneva to Vienna?
The flight from Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 508 miles (817 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Geneva to Vienna flight path pass over?
The route crosses the eastern Swiss Alps near Graubünden and the Vorarlberg region of western Austria, passing south of Lake Constance and north of the main Alpine crest before descending toward the Vienna basin.