Takeoff from Nice on the left offers superior views of the Mediterranean and Pre-Alps, which are more visually distinctive than the landing approach. The climb-out scenery is more dramatic and varied than the descent into Malpensa over flat plains.
Flown NCE to MXP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nice to Milano is 155 miles (250 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Ligurian Alps and enters the Piedmont region. Notable features include the Maritime Alps (visible to the left/north during cruise), the Tanaro River valley (below around midpoint), and the transition from Mediterranean vegetation to Alpine and pre-Alpine forest zones. Lake Maggiore may be visible to the north during descent if weather permits.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NCE
LEFTNice typically departs to the northeast on runway 04L/R. Left seats face the Mediterranean coast and the Pre-Alps as you climb, giving you the sea receding below and the Alpine foothills rising to your left. Right seats see inland terrain and less dramatic relief.
Landing at MXP
RIGHTMalpensa typically lands from the south on runway 35L/R. Right seats face west and northwest during descent, giving you views of the Ticino River valley, the Alps beyond, and the approach over the Lombardy plains. Left seats see less dramatic terrain to the east.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cote D Azur (NCE) to Malpensa (MXP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nice to Milano. Takeoff from Nice on the left offers superior views of the Mediterranean and Pre-Alps, which are more visually distinctive than the landing approach. The climb-out scenery is more dramatic and varied than the descent into Malpensa over flat plains.
What can I see during takeoff from Cote D Azur in Nice?
During takeoff from Cote D Azur (NCE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Nice typically departs to the northeast on runway 04L/R. Left seats face the Mediterranean coast and the Pre-Alps as you climb, giving you the sea receding below and the Alpine foothills rising to your left. Right seats see inland terrain and less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea (immediate coastline), Esterel Massif (rust-red peaks west of Nice), Pre-Alps ridgeline (northeast), Baie des Anges (curved bay below departure).
What can I see when landing at Malpensa in Milano?
When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Malpensa typically lands from the south on runway 35L/R. Right seats face west and northwest during descent, giving you views of the Ticino River valley, the Alps beyond, and the approach over the Lombardy plains. Left seats see less dramatic terrain to the east. Notable sights include: Alps (Mont Rosa and Gran Paradiso massif on horizon), Ticino River valley (winding river and agricultural plains), Lake Maggiore (if visible to the north), Lombardy plains (flat terrain with field patterns).
How long is the flight from Nice to Milano?
The flight from Cote D Azur (NCE) to Malpensa (MXP) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 155 miles (250 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nice to Milano flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Ligurian Alps and enters the Piedmont region. Notable features include the Maritime Alps (visible to the left/north during cruise), the Tanaro River valley (below around midpoint), and the transition from Mediterranean vegetation to Alpine and pre-Alpine forest zones. Lake Maggiore may be visible to the north during descent if weather permits.