While takeoff offers a brief London view on the left, the right side wins overall because the Alps and Lake Zurich dominate the final approach, giving far more dramatic and memorable scenery than the flat French countryside seen for most of the cruise.
Flight Path
English Channel crossing near Dover-Calais, northern French farmland around Reims and the Vosges foothills, Rhine Valley near Basel, Jura mountains giving way to the Swiss Plateau
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTHeathrow's westerly departures climb out over the Home Counties before curving south toward the Channel, giving left-side passengers a receding view of London's skyline and the Thames. It's the only real landmark moment on this short hop, since the rest of the climb is over ordinary farmland.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTOn the approach into Zurich, the aircraft crosses the Swiss Plateau with the snow-capped Alps rising along the southern horizon on the right side, along with glimpses of Lake Zurich near the city. This is the most dramatic scenery of the whole flight.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Zurich. While takeoff offers a brief London view on the left, the right side wins overall because the Alps and Lake Zurich dominate the final approach, giving far more dramatic and memorable scenery than the flat French countryside seen for most of the cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's westerly departures climb out over the Home Counties before curving south toward the Channel, giving left-side passengers a receding view of London's skyline and the Thames. It's the only real landmark moment on this short hop, since the rest of the climb is over ordinary farmland. Notable sights include: River Thames bends, Central London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf), Windsor Great Park, Surrey countryside.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Zurich, the aircraft crosses the Swiss Plateau with the snow-capped Alps rising along the southern horizon on the right side, along with glimpses of Lake Zurich near the city. This is the most dramatic scenery of the whole flight. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Swiss Plateau farmland, Glarus and Bernese Alps foothills, city of Zurich.
How long is the flight from London to Zurich?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Zurich (ZRH) takes 1h50m.
What does the London to Zurich flight path pass over?
English Channel crossing near Dover-Calais, northern French farmland around Reims and the Vosges foothills, Rhine Valley near Basel, Jura mountains giving way to the Swiss Plateau