The left side wins because it captures the two most scenic moments of the flight — the Alps and Vienna cityscape on departure, and the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor on arrival — while the right side spends most of takeoff and landing over flatter or less distinctive terrain, with only a slim chance of a Greenland glimpse during the long oceanic cruise to compensate.
Flight Path
After crossing Germany and the North Sea, the route runs along a North Atlantic track that typically passes near Scotland or the Faroe Islands before heading southwest past southern Greenland and the Labrador Sea, then down over Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes toward New England — mostly open ocean, with a chance of distant Greenland ice-sheet views on clear days.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from VIE
LEFTDeparting VIE on runway 34 sends the aircraft climbing north-northwest, and as it settles onto its transatlantic heading the Danube, Vienna's rooftops, and the wooded foothills of the Alps (Wienerwald, Schneeberg) fall away on the left side. It's a brief but genuinely scenic start compared to the flat farmland that dominates the right side.
Landing at EWR
LEFTOn the typical approach into EWR's runway 22, the aircraft tracks southwest down from the northeast, putting Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and New York Harbor on the left side just before touchdown. It's one of the most recognizable urban approaches in commercial aviation.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schwechat (VIE) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vienna to Newark. The left side wins because it captures the two most scenic moments of the flight — the Alps and Vienna cityscape on departure, and the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor on arrival — while the right side spends most of takeoff and landing over flatter or less distinctive terrain, with only a slim chance of a Greenland glimpse during the long oceanic cruise to compensate.
What can I see during takeoff from Schwechat in Vienna?
During takeoff from Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing VIE on runway 34 sends the aircraft climbing north-northwest, and as it settles onto its transatlantic heading the Danube, Vienna's rooftops, and the wooded foothills of the Alps (Wienerwald, Schneeberg) fall away on the left side. It's a brief but genuinely scenic start compared to the flat farmland that dominates the right side. Notable sights include: Danube River, Vienna city center and St. Stephen's Cathedral spire, Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), Schneeberg/Alpine foothills on the horizon.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical approach into EWR's runway 22, the aircraft tracks southwest down from the northeast, putting Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and New York Harbor on the left side just before touchdown. It's one of the most recognizable urban approaches in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (One World Trade Center, Empire State Building), Hudson River, Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor, Staten Island.
How long is the flight from Vienna to Newark?
The flight from Schwechat (VIE) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes 10h 20m.
What does the Vienna to Newark flight path pass over?
After crossing Germany and the North Sea, the route runs along a North Atlantic track that typically passes near Scotland or the Faroe Islands before heading southwest past southern Greenland and the Labrador Sea, then down over Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes toward New England — mostly open ocean, with a chance of distant Greenland ice-sheet views on clear days.