Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the North Atlantic and Scotland, the left side also gives better angles on the Scottish Highlands and northern England as the route tracks southeast. Consistent advantage throughout makes left the clear choice.
Flown KEF to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Keflavik to Zurich is 1,635 miles (2,631 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean, Scottish Highlands and the Cairngorms plateau, northern England including the Pennines, crossing into continental Europe over the Netherlands or Belgium, Rhine Valley corridor through Germany, Black Forest on the German-Swiss border before descent into Zurich
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KEF
LEFTKeflavik's dominant runway is 19/01, with departures toward the south frequently used. A left-side seat on a southbound departure gives you views over the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic lava fields and the Atlantic coastline. You'll also catch Reykjavik and Mount Esja across Faxaflói Bay as the aircraft climbs and turns southeast.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTZurich's main landing runway 14 brings aircraft in from the northwest on a southeast heading. A left-side seat gives you the best view of Lake Zurich stretching away to the southeast, the city of Zurich below, and the Swiss Alps spread across the southern horizon. The Glarus Alps and the distinctive profile of the Säntis massif are visible to the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Keflavik to Zurich. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the North Atlantic and Scotland, the left side also gives better angles on the Scottish Highlands and northern England as the route tracks southeast. Consistent advantage throughout makes left the clear choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
During takeoff from Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Keflavik's dominant runway is 19/01, with departures toward the south frequently used. A left-side seat on a southbound departure gives you views over the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic lava fields and the Atlantic coastline. You'll also catch Reykjavik and Mount Esja across Faxaflói Bay as the aircraft climbs and turns southeast. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, Faxaflói Bay, Mount Esja (914m) north of Reykjavik, Lake Kleifarvatn.
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's main landing runway 14 brings aircraft in from the northwest on a southeast heading. A left-side seat gives you the best view of Lake Zurich stretching away to the southeast, the city of Zurich below, and the Swiss Alps spread across the southern horizon. The Glarus Alps and the distinctive profile of the Säntis massif are visible to the east. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), Zurich city center, Säntis massif (2,502m), Swiss Alps on southern horizon.
How long is the flight from Keflavik to Zurich?
The flight from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,635 miles (2,631 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Keflavik to Zurich flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, Scottish Highlands and the Cairngorms plateau, northern England including the Pennines, crossing into continental Europe over the Netherlands or Belgium, Rhine Valley corridor through Germany, Black Forest on the German-Swiss border before descent into Zurich