The left side wins overall. The Alpine scenery during climb-out from Zurich is exceptional, and as the flight tracks southwest over France, the left side also picks up the Pyrenees crossing and the Spanish interior. The right side has a slight edge at landing, but the departure and cruise views on the left are more dramatic and sustained.
Flown ZRH to AGP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Malaga is 999 miles (1,607 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks southwest over the Swiss Mittelland, then crosses the French Alps or Jura depending on routing, over the Rhône valley and Lyon, across the Massif Central plateau, over the Languedoc coast near Montpellier with a glimpse of the Gulf of Lion, then the Pyrenees crossing into Spain, followed by the dry Ebro basin and Andalusian interior before descending to Malaga.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs on runway 16 heading south, or runway 28 heading west. On a southbound departure toward Spain, the left side gives you the city of Zurich and Lake Zurich stretching southeast, plus the first views of the Alps rising to the south. The right side faces north toward flatter terrain and the Zurich suburbs.
Landing at AGP
RIGHTMalaga typically lands on runway 13 approaching from the northwest, or runway 31 from the sea. On the common runway 13 approach from the northwest, the right side faces south toward the Mediterranean coast, the city of Malaga, and the Sierra Nevada range visible inland. The left side looks inland toward drier Andalusian hills.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Malaga (AGP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Malaga. The left side wins overall. The Alpine scenery during climb-out from Zurich is exceptional, and as the flight tracks southwest over France, the left side also picks up the Pyrenees crossing and the Spanish interior. The right side has a slight edge at landing, but the departure and cruise views on the left are more dramatic and sustained.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 heading south, or runway 28 heading west. On a southbound departure toward Spain, the left side gives you the city of Zurich and Lake Zurich stretching southeast, plus the first views of the Alps rising to the south. The right side faces north toward flatter terrain and the Zurich suburbs. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), the city center and old town, the Glarus Alps to the southeast, the Limmat river valley.
What can I see when landing at Malaga in Malaga?
When landing at Malaga (AGP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Malaga typically lands on runway 13 approaching from the northwest, or runway 31 from the sea. On the common runway 13 approach from the northwest, the right side faces south toward the Mediterranean coast, the city of Malaga, and the Sierra Nevada range visible inland. The left side looks inland toward drier Andalusian hills. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea coastline, city of Malaga and its harbor, Sierra Nevada peaks to the northeast, Costa del Sol beach strip.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Malaga?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Malaga (AGP) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 999 miles (1,607 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Malaga flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over the Swiss Mittelland, then crosses the French Alps or Jura depending on routing, over the Rhône valley and Lyon, across the Massif Central plateau, over the Languedoc coast near Montpellier with a glimpse of the Gulf of Lion, then the Pyrenees crossing into Spain, followed by the dry Ebro basin and Andalusian interior before descending to Malaga.