While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery—the Danube's dramatic meanders and Alpine foothills are more visually distinctive than the Thames estuary. The left side captures the most memorable portion of this route.
Flown LCY to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Vienna is 771 miles (1,241 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the English Channel (visible as open water), then passes over northern France and Belgium showing agricultural plains and river valleys. The Rhine River and its valley become visible approaching the German-Austrian border. The Bohemian Plateau and Czech highlands appear to the north. As you approach Vienna, the Danube valley becomes the dominant feature, with the river's characteristic meanders clearly visible from altitude. The Eastern Alps form a low mountain backdrop to the south and west of Vienna.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as you climb eastward from City Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the industrial landscape of East London receding beneath you.
Landing at VIE
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best approach views into Vienna. You'll see the Danube River's distinctive loops and meanders, the Vienna basin, and the Alpine foothills rising to the south and west as you descend toward Schwechat.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Vienna. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery—the Danube's dramatic meanders and Alpine foothills are more visually distinctive than the Thames estuary. The left side captures the most memorable portion of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as you climb eastward from City Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the industrial landscape of East London receding beneath you. Notable sights include: River Thames estuary, North Sea coastline, Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs, Essex marshlands.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best approach views into Vienna. You'll see the Danube River's distinctive loops and meanders, the Vienna basin, and the Alpine foothills rising to the south and west as you descend toward Schwechat. Notable sights include: Danube River and its meanders, Vienna city center and urban sprawl, Alpine foothills (Eastern Alps), Schwechat industrial area.
How long is the flight from London to Vienna?
The flight from City (LCY) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 771 miles (1,241 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Vienna flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel (visible as open water), then passes over northern France and Belgium showing agricultural plains and river valleys. The Rhine River and its valley become visible approaching the German-Austrian border. The Bohemian Plateau and Czech highlands appear to the north. As you approach Vienna, the Danube valley becomes the dominant feature, with the river's characteristic meanders clearly visible from altitude. The Eastern Alps form a low mountain backdrop to the south and west of Vienna.