Left side wins both takeoff and landing. During the cruise phase heading northeast across Germany, the left side also faces generally northwest toward the Rhine valley and later the central German uplands, while the right side looks toward the Black Forest and then open eastern Germany. Left is the stronger choice throughout.
Flown ZRH to BER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Berlin is 404 miles (650 km), a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
The flight crosses the Swiss Mittelland, then enters Germany over Baden-Württemberg near Stuttgart, crosses the Swabian Alb, continues over the flat agricultural plains of central Germany through Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, passing near Leipzig before descending into the flat Brandenburg plain surrounding Berlin. No significant mountain ranges after leaving Switzerland — the terrain becomes progressively flatter heading north.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs on runway 16 (heading south) or 28 (heading west). On a northbound flight to Berlin, aircraft often use runway 16 then turn left heading northeast, putting the left side over the city of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the broader Swiss Mittelland. The right side faces open farmland toward the Jura.
Landing at BER
LEFTBerlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) primarily uses runways 07L/25R and 07R/25L oriented roughly east-west. Arrivals from the southwest typically land on runway 25R/25L heading west, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east side of Berlin. The left side of the aircraft on this approach faces north toward central Berlin, giving views of the city's urban sprawl, the Spree river, and Tempelhof area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Berlin Brandenburg (BER)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Berlin. Left side wins both takeoff and landing. During the cruise phase heading northeast across Germany, the left side also faces generally northwest toward the Rhine valley and later the central German uplands, while the right side looks toward the Black Forest and then open eastern Germany. Left is the stronger choice throughout.
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 28 (heading west). On a northbound flight to Berlin, aircraft often use runway 16 then turn left heading northeast, putting the left side over the city of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the broader Swiss Mittelland. The right side faces open farmland toward the Jura. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich stretching southeast, the city of Zurich's urban core, the Glarus Alps visible to the southeast on the horizon, Lake Greifen to the east.
What can I see when landing at Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
When landing at Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Left side for the best views. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) primarily uses runways 07L/25R and 07R/25L oriented roughly east-west. Arrivals from the southwest typically land on runway 25R/25L heading west, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east side of Berlin. The left side of the aircraft on this approach faces north toward central Berlin, giving views of the city's urban sprawl, the Spree river, and Tempelhof area. Notable sights include: Berlin urban core and Spree river bends, Müggelsee lake to the east, Tempelhof field visible as a large open oval, Schönefeld/BER airport surroundings of pine forest and flat Brandenburg plain.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Berlin?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Berlin Brandenburg (BER) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 404 miles (650 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Berlin flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Swiss Mittelland, then enters Germany over Baden-Württemberg near Stuttgart, crosses the Swabian Alb, continues over the flat agricultural plains of central Germany through Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, passing near Leipzig before descending into the flat Brandenburg plain surrounding Berlin. No significant mountain ranges after leaving Switzerland — the terrain becomes progressively flatter heading north.