While the takeoff from Tampa offers a nice bay view, the Alps and Lake Zurich on final approach are far more dramatic and memorable, giving the right side the edge for the full flight experience despite the long featureless Atlantic crossing shared by both sides.
Flown TPA to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tampa to Zurich is 4,869 miles (7,836 km), a flight of about 9 hours 20 minutes.
North Atlantic open ocean, with the flight path passing south of Newfoundland and north of the Azores before making landfall over Ireland or southwest England
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPA
LEFTDeparting TPA on runway 01 northbound, the climb out swings the aircraft over Tampa Bay and the barrier islands to the west, giving a brief but clear view of the bay's shoreline and the Gulf of Mexico beyond before the route turns inland toward the northeast.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTArriving into ZRH on runway 28, the aircraft descends eastbound across the Swiss plateau with the snow-capped Alps clearly visible to the south on the right side, along with the glint of Lake Zurich just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tampa International (TPA) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to Zurich. While the takeoff from Tampa offers a nice bay view, the Alps and Lake Zurich on final approach are far more dramatic and memorable, giving the right side the edge for the full flight experience despite the long featureless Atlantic crossing shared by both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Tampa International in Tampa?
During takeoff from Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing TPA on runway 01 northbound, the climb out swings the aircraft over Tampa Bay and the barrier islands to the west, giving a brief but clear view of the bay's shoreline and the Gulf of Mexico beyond before the route turns inland toward the northeast. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Davis Islands, Courtney Campbell Causeway, Gulf of Mexico shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into ZRH on runway 28, the aircraft descends eastbound across the Swiss plateau with the snow-capped Alps clearly visible to the south on the right side, along with the glint of Lake Zurich just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Swiss Alps foothills, Lake Zurich, Uetliberg ridge, Zurich city outskirts.
How long is the flight from Tampa to Zurich?
The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 9 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,869 miles (7,836 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tampa to Zurich flight path pass over?
North Atlantic open ocean, with the flight path passing south of Newfoundland and north of the Azores before making landfall over Ireland or southwest England