The left side wins overall because the Alpine departure view is the most visually dramatic moment of the flight, while the rest of the route over France, Germany, and the Netherlands is largely flat and unremarkable except for the Amsterdam approach.
Flight Path
Upper Rhine valley, edge of the Black Forest, flat agricultural plains of western Germany and the Netherlands
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTDeparting Zurich to the west before turning northwest toward Amsterdam, the initial climb keeps the Alps and the Zurichsee visible off the left side. This is the only real terrain drama on the whole route, as the rest of the flight is over flat lowlands.
Landing at AMS
RIGHTOn the typical southbound approach into Schiphol using the 18-side runways, the aircraft descends from the north over the IJsselmeer, putting Amsterdam's canal rings and city center on the right side of the plane just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Amsterdam. The left side wins overall because the Alpine departure view is the most visually dramatic moment of the flight, while the rest of the route over France, Germany, and the Netherlands is largely flat and unremarkable except for the Amsterdam approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Zurich to the west before turning northwest toward Amsterdam, the initial climb keeps the Alps and the Zurichsee visible off the left side. This is the only real terrain drama on the whole route, as the rest of the flight is over flat lowlands. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, foothills of the Alps (Rigi, Pilatus area), Uetliberg ridge.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical southbound approach into Schiphol using the 18-side runways, the aircraft descends from the north over the IJsselmeer, putting Amsterdam's canal rings and city center on the right side of the plane just before touchdown. Notable sights include: IJsselmeer, Amsterdam canal ring and city center, polder farmland grid, Schiphol's Polderbaan runway.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Amsterdam?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Schiphol (AMS) takes 1h 25m.
What does the Zurich to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
Upper Rhine valley, edge of the Black Forest, flat agricultural plains of western Germany and the Netherlands