While the right side wins at takeoff with Vancouver's North Shore mountains, the left side offers the more consistently scenic experience overall, including the approach over Lake Zurich and the Alps, plus glimpses of Greenland's ice sheet during the polar-route cruise phase.
Flight Path
Canadian Rockies and Alberta prairies early in the route, then Hudson Bay, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, and the North Atlantic before crossing into Northern Europe over the North Sea and Germany.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
RIGHTAfter liftoff from YVR's westward runway, the aircraft banks right toward the northeast, swinging the view across the North Shore mountains and the Fraser River delta on the right side. Left-side passengers mostly see the flat Strait of Georgia and Richmond suburbs.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTOn the runway 28 approach into ZRH, the aircraft descends from the east, giving left-side passengers a clear view south toward Lake Zurich and the snow-capped Alps on the horizon. Right-side views are dominated by the flatter Swiss plateau and Zurich's northern suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Zurich. While the right side wins at takeoff with Vancouver's North Shore mountains, the left side offers the more consistently scenic experience overall, including the approach over Lake Zurich and the Alps, plus glimpses of Greenland's ice sheet during the polar-route cruise phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. After liftoff from YVR's westward runway, the aircraft banks right toward the northeast, swinging the view across the North Shore mountains and the Fraser River delta on the right side. Left-side passengers mostly see the flat Strait of Georgia and Richmond suburbs. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour), Fraser River delta, Georgia Strait, downtown Vancouver skyline.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the runway 28 approach into ZRH, the aircraft descends from the east, giving left-side passengers a clear view south toward Lake Zurich and the snow-capped Alps on the horizon. Right-side views are dominated by the flatter Swiss plateau and Zurich's northern suburbs. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Alpine foothills, Uetliberg ridge, Zurich city center.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Zurich?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Zurich (ZRH) takes 9h 45m.
What does the Vancouver to Zurich flight path pass over?
Canadian Rockies and Alberta prairies early in the route, then Hudson Bay, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, and the North Atlantic before crossing into Northern Europe over the North Sea and Germany.