While the left side wins at takeoff with Lake Geneva views, the right side provides the better overall experience: during the short cruise phase it faces the Alps to the south, and on landing it captures Lake Zurich on approach. For a flight this brief, the Zurich arrival view on the right is the highlight.
Flown GVA to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Geneva to Zurich is 143 miles (230 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
The flight crosses the Swiss Mittelland — the broad agricultural plateau between the Jura and Alps. Visible features include the Aare river valley near Bern, scattered lakes of the Mittelland such as Lac de Morat and Lac de Neuchâtel to the north, and the continuous Alpine chain running along the southern horizon throughout the flight. The Bernese Oberland peaks including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are visible to the south at cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GVA
LEFTGeneva's primary departure runway 23 heads southwest before aircraft turn northeast toward Zurich. The left side captures Lake Geneva stretching toward Lausanne, with the Jura Mountains to the northwest and the city of Geneva below. The right side faces the Alps but they are partially obscured during the initial climb-out turn.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTZurich typically uses runway 14 or 28 for arrivals depending on wind. On the common eastward approach to runway 14, the right side looks south toward Lake Zurich stretching into the distance and the Alps on the horizon. The left side faces north toward the Zurich urban area and the Mittelland plateau, which is less dramatic scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Geneva to Zurich. While the left side wins at takeoff with Lake Geneva views, the right side provides the better overall experience: during the short cruise phase it faces the Alps to the south, and on landing it captures Lake Zurich on approach. For a flight this brief, the Zurich arrival view on the right is the highlight.
What can I see during takeoff from Geneva Cointrin in Geneva?
During takeoff from Geneva Cointrin (GVA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Geneva's primary departure runway 23 heads southwest before aircraft turn northeast toward Zurich. The left side captures Lake Geneva stretching toward Lausanne, with the Jura Mountains to the northwest and the city of Geneva below. The right side faces the Alps but they are partially obscured during the initial climb-out turn. Notable sights include: Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) curving toward Lausanne, Geneva city center and the Jet d'Eau pier area, Jura Mountains ridge to the northwest, Mont Blanc massif visible to the southeast on the horizon.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Zurich typically uses runway 14 or 28 for arrivals depending on wind. On the common eastward approach to runway 14, the right side looks south toward Lake Zurich stretching into the distance and the Alps on the horizon. The left side faces north toward the Zurich urban area and the Mittelland plateau, which is less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich extending southeast toward Rapperswil, Zurich city center and the Limmat river corridor, Glarus Alps on the southern horizon, Uetliberg hill to the southwest of the city.
How long is the flight from Geneva to Zurich?
The flight from Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 143 miles (230 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Geneva to Zurich flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Swiss Mittelland — the broad agricultural plateau between the Jura and Alps. Visible features include the Aare river valley near Bern, scattered lakes of the Mittelland such as Lac de Morat and Lac de Neuchâtel to the north, and the continuous Alpine chain running along the southern horizon throughout the flight. The Bernese Oberland peaks including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are visible to the south at cruise altitude.