Once the flight crosses into continental Europe and heads southeast, the right side tracks the more interesting geography: the Rhine valley crossing, the northern edge of the Alps visible as a distant white wall on the horizon over Bavaria, and then the Vienna approach with the Danube and city layout. The left side has the better London departure view but the right side wins across the majority of the flight.
Flown LGW to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Vienna is 777 miles (1,250 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses the English Channel near Calais, then tracks over Belgium and southern Germany. Over Bavaria at cruise altitude you can see the northern Alpine foothills and on clear days the main Alpine chain as a distant white ridge to the south. The Rhine and Main rivers are visible as silver threads crossing the landscape. Approaching Austria, the Danube basin opens up and the Vienna Woods become visible as the first significant forested terrain before the flat Pannonian plain around the airport.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTGatwick's runway 26L/26R departure heads westward before turning southeast toward the continent. A left-side seat gives you views back over the North Downs and the sprawl of Greater London to the north as you climb out and bank right. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city and can pick out central London landmarks from altitude.
Landing at VIE
RIGHTVienna's Schwechat airport typically uses runway 11 or 16 for arrivals from the west, with approaches from the northwest over the city. A right-side seat on approach gives you the Danube River curving through Vienna, the Wienerwald hills to the west, and the historic city centre including the Ringstrasse district and Prater park.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Vienna. Once the flight crosses into continental Europe and heads southeast, the right side tracks the more interesting geography: the Rhine valley crossing, the northern edge of the Alps visible as a distant white wall on the horizon over Bavaria, and then the Vienna approach with the Danube and city layout. The left side has the better London departure view but the right side wins across the majority of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's runway 26L/26R departure heads westward before turning southeast toward the continent. A left-side seat gives you views back over the North Downs and the sprawl of Greater London to the north as you climb out and bank right. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city and can pick out central London landmarks from altitude. Notable sights include: Thames River and central London skyline, North Downs ridge, M25 motorway arc, Crawley town below.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Vienna's Schwechat airport typically uses runway 11 or 16 for arrivals from the west, with approaches from the northwest over the city. A right-side seat on approach gives you the Danube River curving through Vienna, the Wienerwald hills to the west, and the historic city centre including the Ringstrasse district and Prater park. Notable sights include: Danube River and Alte Donau oxbow, Vienna city centre and Ringstrasse, Wienerwald forested hills to the west, Prater park and Riesenrad area.
How long is the flight from London to Vienna?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 777 miles (1,250 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Vienna flight path pass over?
The route crosses the English Channel near Calais, then tracks over Belgium and southern Germany. Over Bavaria at cruise altitude you can see the northern Alpine foothills and on clear days the main Alpine chain as a distant white ridge to the south. The Rhine and Main rivers are visible as silver threads crossing the landscape. Approaching Austria, the Danube basin opens up and the Vienna Woods become visible as the first significant forested terrain before the flat Pannonian plain around the airport.