The right side offers the more scenic sequence throughout the flight: Lake Zurich and the Alpine foothills on departure, a dramatic Alps crossing near the Ticino lakes region during cruise, and a genuinely spectacular view of Florence itself on final approach.
Flown ZRH to FLR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Firenze is 283 miles (455 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Central Alps near the Ticino/Lugano lake region, followed by the Lombardy plain around Milan and the northern Apennine ridgeline before descending into Tuscany
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
RIGHTDeparting ZRH southbound on runway 16, the right side gets Lake Zurich falling away below and then the front ranges of the Alps rising ahead as the aircraft climbs toward the Ticino corridor. The left side mostly shows the flatter Glarus foothills before the Alps dominate both sides equally at altitude.
Landing at FLR
RIGHTOn the runway 05 approach into FLR from the southwest, the aircraft banks northeast over the Arno valley, putting Florence's historic center—including the Duomo's dome and the river winding through the city—on the right side just before touchdown. The left side instead faces the darker, less distinctive Apennine foothills north of the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Peretola (FLR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Firenze. The right side offers the more scenic sequence throughout the flight: Lake Zurich and the Alpine foothills on departure, a dramatic Alps crossing near the Ticino lakes region during cruise, and a genuinely spectacular view of Florence itself on final approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ZRH southbound on runway 16, the right side gets Lake Zurich falling away below and then the front ranges of the Alps rising ahead as the aircraft climbs toward the Ticino corridor. The left side mostly shows the flatter Glarus foothills before the Alps dominate both sides equally at altitude. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Albis Ridge, Ticino Alps foothills, Uetliberg.
What can I see when landing at Peretola in Firenze?
When landing at Peretola (FLR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the runway 05 approach into FLR from the southwest, the aircraft banks northeast over the Arno valley, putting Florence's historic center—including the Duomo's dome and the river winding through the city—on the right side just before touchdown. The left side instead faces the darker, less distinctive Apennine foothills north of the city. Notable sights include: Florence historic center and Duomo, Arno River, Chianti hills, Fiesole hillside.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Firenze?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Peretola (FLR) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 283 miles (455 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Firenze flight path pass over?
Central Alps near the Ticino/Lugano lake region, followed by the Lombardy plain around Milan and the northern Apennine ridgeline before descending into Tuscany