While the takeoff offers excellent views of the St. Lawrence and Laurentians, the landing approach into Vienna provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Danube's meanders and the Vienna Basin are visually striking and occupy a longer portion of the descent. Right side captures the most memorable final approach.
Flown YUL to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Vienna is 4,016 miles (6,463 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at high altitude (35,000+ feet), passing over Newfoundland and Labrador, the North Atlantic, and the British Isles. Over the Atlantic, no significant landmarks are visible. Upon crossing into European airspace, the flight passes over Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, and the Rhine Valley. The Alps become visible as a distant ridge on the southern horizon during the descent into Austria. The most notable midpoint feature is the transition from the North Atlantic (featureless at cruise altitude) to the European continent, with the Irish coastline and British Isles marking the entry point into landmass.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
LEFTLeft side captures the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Montreal. The river's distinctive meanders and the forested ridge line of the Laurentians are prominent within the first 15–20 minutes of flight.
Landing at VIE
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Danube River and the Vienna Basin as the aircraft descends on approach from the northwest. The river's distinctive loops and the flat agricultural plains surrounding Vienna are clearly visible during the final descent into Schwechat.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Vienna. While the takeoff offers excellent views of the St. Lawrence and Laurentians, the landing approach into Vienna provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Danube's meanders and the Vienna Basin are visually striking and occupy a longer portion of the descent. Right side captures the most memorable final approach.
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. Left side captures the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Montreal. The river's distinctive meanders and the forested ridge line of the Laurentians are prominent within the first 15–20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (flowing southeast through the Montreal basin), Laurentian Mountains (Canadian Shield ridge visible to the north), Montreal urban sprawl (receding southwestward), Île de Montréal and surrounding islands.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Danube River and the Vienna Basin as the aircraft descends on approach from the northwest. The river's distinctive loops and the flat agricultural plains surrounding Vienna are clearly visible during the final descent into Schwechat. Notable sights include: Danube River (with characteristic meanders near Vienna), Vienna Basin (flat agricultural lowland), Alpine foothills to the south and west (distant), Vienna city center and Danube Island (Donauinsel).
How long is the flight from Montreal to Vienna?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,016 miles (6,463 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Vienna flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at high altitude (35,000+ feet), passing over Newfoundland and Labrador, the North Atlantic, and the British Isles. Over the Atlantic, no significant landmarks are visible. Upon crossing into European airspace, the flight passes over Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, and the Rhine Valley. The Alps become visible as a distant ridge on the southern horizon during the descent into Austria. The most notable midpoint feature is the transition from the North Atlantic (featureless at cruise altitude) to the European continent, with the Irish coastline and British Isles marking the entry point into landmass.