The right side captures the most dramatic geography of the flight: the Tatra Mountains visible early in the flight, the Austrian Alps in the middle section, and the stunning Lake Zurich and Swiss Alps panorama on descent. The left side has the Krakow city view on departure but is less rewarding for the majority of the route.
Flown KRK to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Krakow to Zurich is 542 miles (873 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight crosses the Tatra Mountains (High Tatras on the Slovak-Polish border), then the Moravian lowlands of Czech Republic, followed by the Austrian Alps including the Ötztal and Arlberg ranges, before crossing the Rhine Valley into Switzerland and descending over the Swiss Plateau toward Zurich.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KRK
LEFTKrakow's main runway 25 departure heads westward, putting the historic Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle on the left (south) side during the initial climb. The Vistula River is also visible curving through the city below on this side.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTZurich typically uses runway 14 or 16 for arrivals from the northeast, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north-northeast. The right side gives views over Lake Zurich and the city itself, while the Alps form a dramatic backdrop to the south on the right side throughout the descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Balice Jp Ii International Airport (KRK) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Krakow to Zurich. The right side captures the most dramatic geography of the flight: the Tatra Mountains visible early in the flight, the Austrian Alps in the middle section, and the stunning Lake Zurich and Swiss Alps panorama on descent. The left side has the Krakow city view on departure but is less rewarding for the majority of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Balice Jp Ii International Airport in Krakow?
During takeoff from Balice Jp Ii International Airport (KRK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Krakow's main runway 25 departure heads westward, putting the historic Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle on the left (south) side during the initial climb. The Vistula River is also visible curving through the city below on this side. Notable sights include: Wawel Castle and Cathedral on its hill above the Vistula, Krakow Old Town market square, the Vistula River bend through the city, Nowa Huta industrial district to the east.
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 16 for arrivals from the northeast, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north-northeast. The right side gives views over Lake Zurich and the city itself, while the Alps form a dramatic backdrop to the south on the right side throughout the descent. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich stretching southeast from the city, Zurich city center and the Limmat River, the Swiss Alps on the southern horizon including the Glarus Alps, the Zurichsee shoreline communities.
How long is the flight from Krakow to Zurich?
The flight from Balice Jp Ii International Airport (KRK) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 542 miles (873 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Krakow to Zurich flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Tatra Mountains (High Tatras on the Slovak-Polish border), then the Moravian lowlands of Czech Republic, followed by the Austrian Alps including the Ötztal and Arlberg ranges, before crossing the Rhine Valley into Switzerland and descending over the Swiss Plateau toward Zurich.