While takeoff offers excellent Alpine views from the left, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the Firth of Forth, Pentland Hills, and Edinburgh's iconic skyline. Right seats capture the most distinctive geography of the entire route.
Flown STR to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Stuttgart to Edinburgh is 729 miles (1,173 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea at altitude. Notable features along the route include: the Rhine valley and Black Forest receding southward after takeoff; the Vosges Mountains visible to the left (west) during the climb-out phase; the English Midlands and industrial belt passing below during cruise; the Pennines and Lake District visible to the left as the aircraft approaches UK airspace; the Southern Uplands of Scotland appearing on the horizon as the descent begins; and finally the Firth of Forth and Lothian plains during the final approach to Edinburgh.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STR
LEFTStuttgart typically departs runway 25 (westbound). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving direct views of the Swabian Alps (Schwäbische Alb) and the Neckar River valley. Right seats see only the industrial suburbs and airport grounds.
Landing at EDI
RIGHTEdinburgh typically lands runway 06 (northbound approach). Right seats face east during descent, revealing the Firth of Forth, the Pentland Hills, and Edinburgh's Old Town silhouette against the Firth. Left seats see only the Lothian plains and approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stuttgart (STR) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Stuttgart to Edinburgh. While takeoff offers excellent Alpine views from the left, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the Firth of Forth, Pentland Hills, and Edinburgh's iconic skyline. Right seats capture the most distinctive geography of the entire route.
What can I see during takeoff from Stuttgart in Stuttgart?
During takeoff from Stuttgart (STR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Stuttgart typically departs runway 25 (westbound). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving direct views of the Swabian Alps (Schwäbische Alb) and the Neckar River valley. Right seats see only the industrial suburbs and airport grounds. Notable sights include: Swabian Alps (Schwäbische Alb) to the north, Neckar River winding through Stuttgart valley, Black Forest (Schwarzwald) northeastern edge, Ludwigsburg Palace grounds visible in middle distance.
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 runway 06 (northbound approach). Right seats face east during descent, revealing the Firth of Forth, the Pentland Hills, and Edinburgh's Old Town silhouette against the Firth. Left seats see only the Lothian plains and approach corridor. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth (body of water with Forth Bridge visible at distance), Pentland Hills to the south, Edinburgh Old Town and castle skyline, Leith docks and waterfront.
How long is the flight from Stuttgart to Edinburgh?
The flight from Stuttgart (STR) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 729 miles (1,173 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Stuttgart to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea at altitude. Notable features along the route include: the Rhine valley and Black Forest receding southward after takeoff; the Vosges Mountains visible to the left (west) during the climb-out phase; the English Midlands and industrial belt passing below during cruise; the Pennines and Lake District visible to the left as the aircraft approaches UK airspace; the Southern Uplands of Scotland appearing on the horizon as the descent begins; and finally the Firth of Forth and Lothian plains during the final approach to Edinburgh.