For most of the cruise, the flight path runs north along the eastern edge of the Rhone corridor with the French and Swiss Alps consistently visible to the right, including glimpses of the Mont Blanc massif region, making the right side the stronger overall choice despite the left side's advantage during final approach.
Flight Path
Rhone-Alpes foothills, Lake Geneva basin to the northwest, and the western Swiss Alps including peaks near the Valais region
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NCE
RIGHTDeparting NCE on runway 22, the aircraft climbs out over the Mediterranean then banks right to turn north toward Switzerland, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the Riviera coastline, Cap Ferrat, and the Estérel massif before the turn straightens out.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTOn the westbound approach into Zurich runway 28, the aircraft descends over the Swiss plateau with the Alps and Lake Zurich visible off the left side, giving a last dramatic mountain view before landing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cote D Azur (NCE) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nice to Zurich. For most of the cruise, the flight path runs north along the eastern edge of the Rhone corridor with the French and Swiss Alps consistently visible to the right, including glimpses of the Mont Blanc massif region, making the right side the stronger overall choice despite the left side's advantage during final approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Cote D Azur in Nice?
During takeoff from Cote D Azur (NCE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing NCE on runway 22, the aircraft climbs out over the Mediterranean then banks right to turn north toward Switzerland, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the Riviera coastline, Cap Ferrat, and the Estérel massif before the turn straightens out. Notable sights include: Baie des Anges, Cap Ferrat, Antibes headland, Estérel mountains.
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 the westbound approach into Zurich runway 28, the aircraft descends over the Swiss plateau with the Alps and Lake Zurich visible off the left side, giving a last dramatic mountain view before landing. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Uetliberg ridge, distant Glarus Alps, Zurich city outskirts.
How long is the flight from Nice to Zurich?
The flight from Cote D Azur (NCE) to Zurich (ZRH) takes 1h 15m.
What does the Nice to Zurich flight path pass over?
Rhone-Alpes foothills, Lake Geneva basin to the northwest, and the western Swiss Alps including peaks near the Valais region