The left seat wins at both ends of this short northbound flight. Over Zurich it captures Lake Zurich and the city, and over Düsseldorf it faces the Rhine and the city waterfront on approach. The flight is too short and too low-latitude for dramatic alpine views en route, so the urban and river geography at each end is the main draw.
Flown ZRH to DUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Duesseldorf is 277 miles (445 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The route crosses the Rhine plain north of Basel, then tracks over the flat agricultural lowlands of the German Rhineland through Baden-Württemberg and into North Rhine-Westphalia. The Black Forest is visible to the right (east) shortly after departure if skies are clear. The Rhine river is crossed multiple times as the route trends northwest. No dramatic terrain — this is a flat to gently rolling corridor through central western Europe.
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 Düsseldorf, aircraft often use runway 16 then turn north, putting the left side over Lake Zurich and the city center. The left seat gets the lake's elongated shape and the old town before the turn northward.
Landing at DUS
LEFTDüsseldorf typically lands on runway 05L/05R (heading northeast) or 23L/23R (heading southwest). On approach from the south, aircraft commonly use runway 23, descending over the Rhine from the east. The left seat faces south and west, giving a direct view of the Rhine river's broad curve through Düsseldorf and the city skyline along the riverbank.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Dusseldorf (DUS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Duesseldorf. The left seat wins at both ends of this short northbound flight. Over Zurich it captures Lake Zurich and the city, and over Düsseldorf it faces the Rhine and the city waterfront on approach. The flight is too short and too low-latitude for dramatic alpine views en route, so the urban and river geography at each end is the main draw.
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 Düsseldorf, aircraft often use runway 16 then turn north, putting the left side over Lake Zurich and the city center. The left seat gets the lake's elongated shape and the old town before the turn northward. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Zurich old town (Altstadt), Uetliberg hill, Rhine plain opening to the north.
What can I see when landing at Dusseldorf in Duesseldorf?
When landing at Dusseldorf (DUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Düsseldorf typically lands on runway 05L/05R (heading northeast) or 23L/23R (heading southwest). On approach from the south, aircraft commonly use runway 23, descending over the Rhine from the east. The left seat faces south and west, giving a direct view of the Rhine river's broad curve through Düsseldorf and the city skyline along the riverbank. Notable sights include: Rhine River through Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Altstadt riverfront, Rhine-Ruhr urban sprawl, Neuss across the river.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Duesseldorf?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Dusseldorf (DUS) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 277 miles (445 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Duesseldorf flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Rhine plain north of Basel, then tracks over the flat agricultural lowlands of the German Rhineland through Baden-Württemberg and into North Rhine-Westphalia. The Black Forest is visible to the right (east) shortly after departure if skies are clear. The Rhine river is crossed multiple times as the route trends northwest. No dramatic terrain — this is a flat to gently rolling corridor through central western Europe.