The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a glimpse of Windsor and the Thames at departure, and the Vienna Woods with the Danube approach at arrival, giving it more consistent scenic interest than the flatter left-side views.
Flown LHR to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Vienna is 792 miles (1,275 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
English Channel crossing near Dover, Belgian and Dutch lowlands, Rhine River valley, Bavarian countryside with distant Alpine foothills visible to the south before descent into Vienna
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTWith Heathrow's typical westerly departure, aircraft climb out over Windsor and the Thames before banking to head east, putting Windsor Castle and the London suburbs on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly sees the flatter Berkshire and Buckinghamshire countryside with less to distinguish it.
Landing at VIE
RIGHTVienna's approach from the west often swings south of the city before lining up on runway 16, giving right-side passengers a view toward the distant Alpine foothills and the Vienna Woods before the Danube and city rooftops appear. The left side faces the flatter Weinviertel plain with fewer distinguishing features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Vienna. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a glimpse of Windsor and the Thames at departure, and the Vienna Woods with the Danube approach at arrival, giving it more consistent scenic interest than the flatter left-side views.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. With Heathrow's typical westerly departure, aircraft climb out over Windsor and the Thames before banking to head east, putting Windsor Castle and the London suburbs on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly sees the flatter Berkshire and Buckinghamshire countryside with less to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, River Thames loop, Staines reservoirs, outer London suburbs.
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 approach from the west often swings south of the city before lining up on runway 16, giving right-side passengers a view toward the distant Alpine foothills and the Vienna Woods before the Danube and city rooftops appear. The left side faces the flatter Weinviertel plain with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Vienna Woods foothills, Danube River, St. Stephen's Cathedral spire, Vienna's urban grid.
How long is the flight from London to Vienna?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 792 miles (1,275 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Vienna flight path pass over?
English Channel crossing near Dover, Belgian and Dutch lowlands, Rhine River valley, Bavarian countryside with distant Alpine foothills visible to the south before descent into Vienna