While takeoff offers good Lake Ontario views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the North Sea, Wadden Islands, and the unique Dutch polder landscape are visually striking and geographically unique. The left side captures the most memorable portion of the transatlantic crossing.
Flown YTZ to AMS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Amsterdam is 3,715 miles (5,979 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 5 hours. Notable features include: the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) visible during early climb; the open Atlantic with occasional weather systems; the southern tip of Greenland or its ice cap visible on clear days (far north of typical routing); the Irish coast and Celtic Sea approaching Europe; and the British Isles or North Sea depending on final approach routing to Amsterdam.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during climb-out. The aircraft typically departs eastbound or northeastbound from YTZ, positioning right-side passengers to see the lake's expanse and the city's downtown core receding below.
Landing at AMS
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Amsterdam. Aircraft typically descend over the North Sea and approach from the west or northwest, giving left-side passengers clear sightlines of the Dutch coastline, the Wadden Islands, and the flat polder landscape characteristic of the Netherlands.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Amsterdam. While takeoff offers good Lake Ontario views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the North Sea, Wadden Islands, and the unique Dutch polder landscape are visually striking and geographically unique. The left side captures the most memorable portion of the transatlantic crossing.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during climb-out. The aircraft typically departs eastbound or northeastbound from YTZ, positioning right-side passengers to see the lake's expanse and the city's downtown core receding below. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands, Downtown Toronto skyline, Scarborough Bluffs.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Amsterdam. Aircraft typically descend over the North Sea and approach from the west or northwest, giving left-side passengers clear sightlines of the Dutch coastline, the Wadden Islands, and the flat polder landscape characteristic of the Netherlands. Notable sights include: North Sea, Wadden Islands, Dutch polders and canal systems, Ijsselmeer lake.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Amsterdam?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Schiphol (AMS) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,715 miles (5,979 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 5 hours. Notable features include: the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) visible during early climb; the open Atlantic with occasional weather systems; the southern tip of Greenland or its ice cap visible on clear days (far north of typical routing); the Irish coast and Celtic Sea approaching Europe; and the British Isles or North Sea depending on final approach routing to Amsterdam.