The left side wins on both ends of the flight — dramatic Alpine scenery at departure and the Serra do Mar ridgelines plus São Paulo's skyline on arrival — while the long mid-Atlantic crossing neutralizes any advantage for either side during cruise.
Flight Path
Iberian Peninsula and the Strait of Gibraltar shortly after departure, then a long mid-Atlantic Ocean crossing with no land visible for several hours, followed by the Brazilian coastline near Natal or Fortaleza before the route continues inland toward São Paulo.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTDeparting ZRH on runway 28 and turning south toward the great-circle track, the left side gives a clear view back over the Swiss Alps, including the Bernese peaks, before the route crosses into France. The right side mostly shows the flatter Swiss plateau and Jura foothills, which are far less dramatic.
Landing at GRU
LEFTOn the typical easterly arrival into GRU, the descent path curves over the Serra do Mar coastal range and the outskirts of São Paulo before lining up on the runway, giving left-side passengers a view of forested ridgelines and the sprawling city skyline. The right side mostly faces open countryside with less visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Sao Paulo. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — dramatic Alpine scenery at departure and the Serra do Mar ridgelines plus São Paulo's skyline on arrival — while the long mid-Atlantic crossing neutralizes any advantage for either side during cruise.
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 ZRH on runway 28 and turning south toward the great-circle track, the left side gives a clear view back over the Swiss Alps, including the Bernese peaks, before the route crosses into France. The right side mostly shows the flatter Swiss plateau and Jura foothills, which are far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Swiss Alps (Bernese Oberland), Lake Zurich, Jura mountains, Rhone Valley.
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical easterly arrival into GRU, the descent path curves over the Serra do Mar coastal range and the outskirts of São Paulo before lining up on the runway, giving left-side passengers a view of forested ridgelines and the sprawling city skyline. The right side mostly faces open countryside with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Serra do Mar mountains, São Paulo skyline, Tietê River, Guarulhos suburbs.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes 11h35m.
What does the Zurich to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
Iberian Peninsula and the Strait of Gibraltar shortly after departure, then a long mid-Atlantic Ocean crossing with no land visible for several hours, followed by the Brazilian coastline near Natal or Fortaleza before the route continues inland toward São Paulo.