About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schwechat (VIE) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vienna to Zurich. The right side wins overall because while the left side has a slight edge at Vienna departure, the right side delivers the most dramatic sustained scenery: as the flight tracks west-southwest across Austria, the right (north) side sees the Danube Valley and Salzburg region, and on descent into Zurich the right side captures Lake Zurich and the Alpine horizon — the visual highlight of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Schwechat in Vienna?
During takeoff from Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. VIE typically departs westbound on runway 29, so the left (south) side gives you a view back over Vienna city center and the Danube as you climb out. You can see the city grid, the Prater park, and the river bending through the urban area before you clear the Vienna Basin. Notable sights include: Danube River bend through Vienna, Prater park and Riesenrad area, Vienna city center grid, Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. ZRH typically lands on runway 14 or 28 depending on wind. On the common easterly approach to runway 14, the right side faces south and gives you a clear view of Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the Alps on the horizon. On westerly approaches to runway 28, the right side still captures the city and lake as you descend over the northern shore. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), Zurich city center and old town, Glarus Alps on the southern horizon, Uetliberg ridge to the southwest.
How long is the flight from Vienna to Zurich?
The flight from Schwechat (VIE) to Zurich (ZRH) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.
What does the Vienna to Zurich flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Austrian Alps or their northern foothills depending on routing — typically passing near Salzburg and the Salzkammergut lake district (Attersee, Traunsee visible as dark blue lakes in the alpine foothills), then crossing into Bavaria briefly before entering Switzerland over the Rhine Valley. The Inn Valley and Bavarian Prealps are visible below during the cruise phase.