While landing favors left, the takeoff view of central Paris is more distinctive and memorable than the landing approach. Right-side seats capture the Seine's iconic loops and Paris landmarks during climb, which outweighs the landing advantage.
Flown ORY to BER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Berlin is 549 miles (884 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Rhine River near Cologne (visible around 1 hour into flight), then continues over the flat North German Plain. The Harz Mountains appear as low, forested hills on the left (north) side around 1 hour 45 minutes into flight. The Elbe River becomes visible approaching Berlin from the west. No dramatic Alpine terrain on this route—the landscape is predominantly flat to gently rolling with extensive forests and agricultural areas.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORY
RIGHTOrly typically departs runways 26L/26R (westbound) or 08L/08R (eastbound). For this eastbound routing to Berlin, expect runway 08 departure. Right-side seats offer views of central Paris and the Seine's meanders through the city, while left seats face industrial suburbs. The climb-out path takes you directly over the city center.
Landing at BER
LEFTBerlin Brandenburg has parallel runways 07L/07R and 25L/25R. Approach from the west typically uses runway 07. Left-side seats provide views of the Spree River, Müggelsee lake, and the approach path over the Köpenick district. Right seats face industrial areas and the airport's southern perimeter.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orly (ORY) to Berlin Brandenburg (BER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Berlin. While landing favors left, the takeoff view of central Paris is more distinctive and memorable than the landing approach. Right-side seats capture the Seine's iconic loops and Paris landmarks during climb, which outweighs the landing advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Orly in Paris?
During takeoff from Orly (ORY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Orly typically departs runways 26L/26R (westbound) or 08L/08R (eastbound). For this eastbound routing to Berlin, expect runway 08 departure. Right-side seats offer views of central Paris and the Seine's meanders through the city, while left seats face industrial suburbs. The climb-out path takes you directly over the city center. Notable sights include: Seine River (multiple loops through Paris), Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité, Sacré-Cœur basilica on Montmartre, Eiffel Tower (depending on exact climb vector).
What can I see when landing at Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
When landing at Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Left side for the best views. Berlin Brandenburg has parallel runways 07L/07R and 25L/25R. Approach from the west typically uses runway 07. Left-side seats provide views of the Spree River, Müggelsee lake, and the approach path over the Köpenick district. Right seats face industrial areas and the airport's southern perimeter. Notable sights include: Spree River (winding through eastern Berlin), Müggelsee (largest lake in Berlin, southeast of airport), Köpenick district (historic town center visible as dense urban area), Tegeler See (visible further northwest during approach).
How long is the flight from Paris to Berlin?
The flight from Orly (ORY) to Berlin Brandenburg (BER) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 549 miles (884 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Berlin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Rhine River near Cologne (visible around 1 hour into flight), then continues over the flat North German Plain. The Harz Mountains appear as low, forested hills on the left (north) side around 1 hour 45 minutes into flight. The Elbe River becomes visible approaching Berlin from the west. No dramatic Alpine terrain on this route—the landscape is predominantly flat to gently rolling with extensive forests and agricultural areas.