While takeoff offers scenic Aegean views, the landing approach into Brussels provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Meuse River valley, extensive Flemish plains, and the urban landscape of Brussels itself. The approach descent offers better visual variety and more recognizable landmarks for most passengers.
Flown HER to BRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Heraklion to Brussels is 1,488 miles (2,395 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Balkans (Serbian and Hungarian plains visible), the Danube River valley near Budapest, then continues northwest over Austria and the Czech Republic. Notable midpoint features include the Carpathian Mountains' foothills (visible to the east/right during the central portion), the Danube River near Vienna, and the transition from Alpine foothills to the flat North European Plain as you approach Belgium. The Alps themselves remain distant to the right (south) but their northern foothills are visible during the Austrian segment.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HER
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the northern Cretan coastline and the Aegean Sea as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the irregular rocky shoreline and small islands dotting the water before the aircraft turns toward the mainland.
Landing at BRU
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the descent approach into Brussels. You'll see the Meuse River valley, the flat Flemish plains, and the urban sprawl of Brussels and surrounding towns as the aircraft descends from the southeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) to Brussels Natl (BRU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Heraklion to Brussels. While takeoff offers scenic Aegean views, the landing approach into Brussels provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Meuse River valley, extensive Flemish plains, and the urban landscape of Brussels itself. The approach descent offers better visual variety and more recognizable landmarks for most passengers.
What can I see during takeoff from Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion?
During takeoff from Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the northern Cretan coastline and the Aegean Sea as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the irregular rocky shoreline and small islands dotting the water before the aircraft turns toward the mainland. Notable sights include: Aegean Sea coastline, Cretan northern shore, small Aegean islands (Dia, Gaidouronissi visible near departure), Mediterranean blue water.
What can I see when landing at Brussels Natl in Brussels?
When landing at Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during the descent approach into Brussels. You'll see the Meuse River valley, the flat Flemish plains, and the urban sprawl of Brussels and surrounding towns as the aircraft descends from the southeast. Notable sights include: Meuse River and valley, Flemish agricultural plains, Brussels urban area, Senne River confluence.
How long is the flight from Heraklion to Brussels?
The flight from Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) to Brussels Natl (BRU) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,488 miles (2,395 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Heraklion to Brussels flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Balkans (Serbian and Hungarian plains visible), the Danube River valley near Budapest, then continues northwest over Austria and the Czech Republic. Notable midpoint features include the Carpathian Mountains' foothills (visible to the east/right during the central portion), the Danube River near Vienna, and the transition from Alpine foothills to the flat North European Plain as you approach Belgium. The Alps themselves remain distant to the right (south) but their northern foothills are visible during the Austrian segment.