London to Zurich flight pathLCYZRH

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Flight time1h 45m
Distance472
Heading123° → 129°
Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 4.0 left·★ 2.0 right

While takeoff favors the right for London's riverside skyline, the left side wins overall because the Zurich approach reveals the Alps and Lake Zurich, a much more dramatic and memorable payoff than the flat farmland on the right during cruise and descent.

Takeoff · LCYRIGHTRiver Thames loops, Canary Wharf skyline, O2 Arena
Landing · ZRHLEFTLake Zurich, Alpine foothills, Uetliberg ridge

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The route crosses northern France, the Rhine Valley near Basel, and the Jura mountains before descending into the Swiss plateau toward Zurich.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (right side) — River Thames loops, Canary Wharf skyline, O2 Arena, Greenwich Peninsula

Takeoff from LCY

RIGHT

Leaving LCY eastbound-turning-south, the right side gives a good look back over the Thames and Docklands, including the O2 Arena and Canary Wharf towers, before the aircraft banks toward the continent. The left side mostly shows east London suburbs with less definition.

River Thames loopsCanary Wharf skylineO2 ArenaGreenwich Peninsula
Aerial window seat view during landing at Zurich (left side) — Lake Zurich, Alpine foothills, Uetliberg ridge, Zurich city outskirts

Landing at ZRH

LEFT

On approach to ZRH from the north or west, the left side typically faces south, offering views of the Swiss Alps rising beyond Zurich and the lake, plus glimpses of Lake Zurich itself. The right side faces the flatter Jura foothills and farmland, which are far less dramatic.

Lake ZurichAlpine foothillsUetliberg ridgeZurich city outskirts

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Zurich (ZRH)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Zurich. While takeoff favors the right for London's riverside skyline, the left side wins overall because the Zurich approach reveals the Alps and Lake Zurich, a much more dramatic and memorable payoff than the flat farmland on the right during cruise and descent.

What can I see during takeoff from City in London?

During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Leaving LCY eastbound-turning-south, the right side gives a good look back over the Thames and Docklands, including the O2 Arena and Canary Wharf towers, before the aircraft banks toward the continent. The left side mostly shows east London suburbs with less definition. Notable sights include: River Thames loops, Canary Wharf skyline, O2 Arena, Greenwich Peninsula.

What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?

When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to ZRH from the north or west, the left side typically faces south, offering views of the Swiss Alps rising beyond Zurich and the lake, plus glimpses of Lake Zurich itself. The right side faces the flatter Jura foothills and farmland, which are far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Alpine foothills, Uetliberg ridge, Zurich city outskirts.

How long is the flight from London to Zurich?

The flight from City (LCY) to Zurich (ZRH) takes 1h 45m.

What does the London to Zurich flight path pass over?

The route crosses northern France, the Rhine Valley near Basel, and the Jura mountains before descending into the Swiss plateau toward Zurich.