Takeoff views of the Danube and Alpine foothills are more visually distinctive than landing views. However, if you prioritize the landing, choose left. Right seats offer the better overall experience for this westbound routing.
Flown VIE to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vienna to Edinburgh is 1,000 miles (1,610 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Czech Republic (Prague region visible if daylight permits), then enters German airspace over Bavaria. The Bohemian Plateau and Sudetes Mountains form a low ridge to the north around the midpoint. The North Sea becomes visible approximately 45 minutes before landing at Edinburgh. The flight path generally follows a northwest corridor at cruise altitude (FL350-FL380), with the English Midlands and Wales visible to the south on clear days.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from VIE
RIGHTVienna typically departs eastbound (Runway 11L/11R). Right-side seats face north initially, offering views of the Danube River's distinctive meanders through the Vienna Basin and the northern Alpine foothills. Left seats see the flat agricultural plains extending south toward Hungary.
Landing at EDI
LEFTEdinburgh typically lands westbound (Runway 24). Left-side seats during approach face south-southwest, providing views of the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, and the Scottish Lowlands. Right seats see only the North Sea and the approach corridor over farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schwechat (VIE) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vienna to Edinburgh. Takeoff views of the Danube and Alpine foothills are more visually distinctive than landing views. However, if you prioritize the landing, choose left. Right seats offer the better overall experience for this westbound routing.
What can I see during takeoff from Schwechat in Vienna?
During takeoff from Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Vienna typically departs eastbound (Runway 11L/11R). Right-side seats face north initially, offering views of the Danube River's distinctive meanders through the Vienna Basin and the northern Alpine foothills. Left seats see the flat agricultural plains extending south toward Hungary. Notable sights include: Danube River (multiple loops visible), Vienna city center and Stephansdom spire, Alpine foothills to the north, Marchfeld plain extending eastward.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Edinburgh typically lands westbound (Runway 24). Left-side seats during approach face south-southwest, providing views of the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, and the Scottish Lowlands. Right seats see only the North Sea and the approach corridor over farmland. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth (wide estuary with islands), Pentland Hills to the south, Edinburgh city and castle on the skyline, Lothian agricultural plains.
How long is the flight from Vienna to Edinburgh?
The flight from Schwechat (VIE) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,000 miles (1,610 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vienna to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Czech Republic (Prague region visible if daylight permits), then enters German airspace over Bavaria. The Bohemian Plateau and Sudetes Mountains form a low ridge to the north around the midpoint. The North Sea becomes visible approximately 45 minutes before landing at Edinburgh. The flight path generally follows a northwest corridor at cruise altitude (FL350-FL380), with the English Midlands and Wales visible to the south on clear days.