The left side offers modest but consistent scenic value across the flight — hilly terrain near Beijing at departure, a chance to see the Ural Mountains' rolling ridgelines during cruise, and the Vienna Woods and Danube on arrival — while the right side mostly overlooks flat Siberian and Central European plains.
Flown PEK to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Vienna is 4,631 miles (7,453 km), a flight of about 9 hours 10 minutes.
Mongolian steppe, southern Siberian plains near Novosibirsk, the low ridgelines of the Ural Mountains, and the Volga river basin before descending into Central Europe
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
LEFTDeparting PEK, aircraft typically climb out toward the north or south before turning northwest toward Mongolia. On this turn, the Yan Mountains and the foothills northwest of Beijing become visible on the left side, giving some relief from the otherwise flat North China Plain.
Landing at VIE
LEFTOn approach into VIE, flights arriving from the east or northeast often turn south before final approach, briefly revealing the wooded hills of the Wienerwald and the edge of the Alpine foothills to the south of the city on the left side. The Danube river and Vienna's cityscape are also visible during the turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Vienna. The left side offers modest but consistent scenic value across the flight — hilly terrain near Beijing at departure, a chance to see the Ural Mountains' rolling ridgelines during cruise, and the Vienna Woods and Danube on arrival — while the right side mostly overlooks flat Siberian and Central European plains.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PEK, aircraft typically climb out toward the north or south before turning northwest toward Mongolia. On this turn, the Yan Mountains and the foothills northwest of Beijing become visible on the left side, giving some relief from the otherwise flat North China Plain. Notable sights include: Yan Mountains foothills, North China Plain, Beijing's outer suburbs, Miyun Reservoir area.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into VIE, flights arriving from the east or northeast often turn south before final approach, briefly revealing the wooded hills of the Wienerwald and the edge of the Alpine foothills to the south of the city on the left side. The Danube river and Vienna's cityscape are also visible during the turn. Notable sights include: Wienerwald (Vienna Woods), Danube River, Vienna city skyline, foothills of the Alps.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Vienna?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 9 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,631 miles (7,453 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Vienna flight path pass over?
Mongolian steppe, southern Siberian plains near Novosibirsk, the low ridgelines of the Ural Mountains, and the Volga river basin before descending into Central Europe