Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Hong Kong's harbour and skyline on departure, and the Swiss Alps plus Lake Zurich on arrival. Over the long cruise through Central Asia the difference is minimal, but the bookend scenery strongly favors the left.
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Flight Path
Hong Kong to Zurich is 5,766 miles (9,280 km), a flight of about 12 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northwest over southern China and Yunnan, then crosses the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas (visible as a vast high-altitude snowfield at cruise altitude), continues over Central Asia including the Tarim Basin and Taklamakan Desert, crosses the Caspian Sea, then transits southern Russia and Ukraine before entering Central Europe over Austria and southern Germany into Switzerland.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
LEFTHKIA's runways run roughly east-west on Lantau Island. Departures heading west or northwest put Lantau's mountainous interior, the Pearl River estuary, and the dense urban sprawl of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island on the left side. You get a clear view of Victoria Harbour and the skyscraper canyons of Central as the aircraft banks north.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTZurich Airport typically uses runways 14/28 or 16/34. Approaches from the east or northeast on runway 28 or 34 bring the aircraft over the Swiss Mittelland with the Alps visible to the south. Left-side seats face south toward the Alps, Lake Zurich, and the city itself during the descending turn, while right-side seats look north toward less dramatic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Zurich. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Hong Kong's harbour and skyline on departure, and the Swiss Alps plus Lake Zurich on arrival. Over the long cruise through Central Asia the difference is minimal, but the bookend scenery strongly favors the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. HKIA's runways run roughly east-west on Lantau Island. Departures heading west or northwest put Lantau's mountainous interior, the Pearl River estuary, and the dense urban sprawl of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island on the left side. You get a clear view of Victoria Harbour and the skyscraper canyons of Central as the aircraft banks north. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour and Central/Wan Chai skyline, Kowloon Peninsula urban grid, Pearl River estuary opening to the South China Sea, Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak ridgeline.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich Airport typically uses runways 14/28 or 16/34. Approaches from the east or northeast on runway 28 or 34 bring the aircraft over the Swiss Mittelland with the Alps visible to the south. Left-side seats face south toward the Alps, Lake Zurich, and the city itself during the descending turn, while right-side seats look north toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich stretching southeast from the city, Zurich old town and Limmat River valley, Swiss Alps on the southern horizon (Glarus Alps and Bernese Oberland peaks), Lake Greifen and Lake Pfäffikon in the Mittelland.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Zurich?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 12 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,766 miles (9,280 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Zurich flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over southern China and Yunnan, then crosses the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas (visible as a vast high-altitude snowfield at cruise altitude), continues over Central Asia including the Tarim Basin and Taklamakan Desert, crosses the Caspian Sea, then transits southern Russia and Ukraine before entering Central Europe over Austria and southern Germany into Switzerland.