Left seats capture Paris's iconic landmarks during departure and still offer reasonable views of the Scottish coast and Firth of Forth during approach. The takeoff experience over central Paris outweighs the slight advantage right seats have on landing.
Flown ORY to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Edinburgh is 554 miles (892 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the English Channel (North Sea approach), passing over the Northumberland coast near the Scottish border. Notable midpoint features include the Lake District mountains (visible to the left/south if flying slightly inland), the Cheviot Hills marking the England-Scotland border, and the Southern Uplands of Scotland. The Firth of Clyde is visible to the west before turning toward Edinburgh's approach corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORY
LEFTOrly typically departs westbound (runways 26L/26R). Left seats face north toward the Seine's meanders through central Paris and the Île-de-France region. Right seats look south over suburban sprawl with less distinctive features.
Landing at EDI
RIGHTEdinburgh typically lands from the east (runway 06). Right seats face south-southwest during approach, providing views of the Firth of Forth estuary, the Pentland Hills, and Edinburgh's Old Town on Castle Rock. Left seats see the North Sea and less distinctive terrain.
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 Orly (ORY) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Edinburgh. Left seats capture Paris's iconic landmarks during departure and still offer reasonable views of the Scottish coast and Firth of Forth during approach. The takeoff experience over central Paris outweighs the slight advantage right seats have on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Orly in Paris?
During takeoff from Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Orly typically departs westbound (runways 26L/26R). Left seats face north toward the Seine's meanders through central Paris and the Île-de-France region. Right seats look south over suburban sprawl with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Seine River (multiple loops visible below), Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité district, Sacré-Cœur basilica on Montmartre hill, Versailles Palace grounds (southwest, visible as formal gardens and tree lines).
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Edinburgh typically lands from the east (runway 06). Right seats face south-southwest during approach, providing views of the Firth of Forth estuary, the Pentland Hills, and Edinburgh's Old Town on Castle Rock. Left seats see the North Sea and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth (wide estuary with islands), Pentland Hills (rolling moorland south of city), Edinburgh Castle on volcanic Castle Rock, Arthur's Seat (extinct volcano, 822 feet, prominent dark peak).
How long is the flight from Paris to Edinburgh?
The flight from Orly (ORY) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 554 miles (892 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel (North Sea approach), passing over the Northumberland coast near the Scottish border. Notable midpoint features include the Lake District mountains (visible to the left/south if flying slightly inland), the Cheviot Hills marking the England-Scotland border, and the Southern Uplands of Scotland. The Firth of Clyde is visible to the west before turning toward Edinburgh's approach corridor.