The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a turning departure that reveals Montreal's skyline and river, and a Geneva approach that offers a genuine Alpine panorama including Mont Blanc, which outweighs the flatter, ocean-dominated cruise phase common to both sides.
Flown YUL to GVA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Geneva is 3,669 miles (5,905 km), a flight of about 6 hours 50 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean crossing, with the flight path passing near the south coast of Newfoundland early on and later approaching the southern coast of Ireland before continuing over northern France toward the Alps.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
LEFTDeparting runway 24 to the southwest, the aircraft banks right to turn back toward Europe, and this puts the outside of the turn — with a sweeping view of downtown Montreal, Mount Royal, and the St. Lawrence River — on the left side. The right side mainly faces the flatter Laval suburbs.
Landing at GVA
LEFTOn the standard runway 22 approach into Geneva, the aircraft descends from the northeast over Lake Geneva with the Alps — including views toward Mont Blanc — dominating the southern side of the aircraft, which is the left side on this southwest-facing approach. The right side faces the lower, less dramatic Jura range.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Geneva Cointrin (GVA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Geneva. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a turning departure that reveals Montreal's skyline and river, and a Geneva approach that offers a genuine Alpine panorama including Mont Blanc, which outweighs the flatter, ocean-dominated cruise phase common to both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing runway 24 to the southwest, the aircraft banks right to turn back toward Europe, and this puts the outside of the turn — with a sweeping view of downtown Montreal, Mount Royal, and the St. Lawrence River — on the left side. The right side mainly faces the flatter Laval suburbs. Notable sights include: Mount Royal, downtown Montreal skyline, St. Lawrence River, Laurentian foothills on the horizon.
What can I see when landing at Geneva Cointrin in Geneva?
When landing at Geneva Cointrin (GVA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the standard runway 22 approach into Geneva, the aircraft descends from the northeast over Lake Geneva with the Alps — including views toward Mont Blanc — dominating the southern side of the aircraft, which is the left side on this southwest-facing approach. The right side faces the lower, less dramatic Jura range. Notable sights include: Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), Mont Blanc massif, Geneva cityscape at the lake's edge, Jura foothills in the distance.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Geneva?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Geneva Cointrin (GVA) takes about 6 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,669 miles (5,905 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Geneva flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean crossing, with the flight path passing near the south coast of Newfoundland early on and later approaching the southern coast of Ireland before continuing over northern France toward the Alps.