The left side captures the most dramatic scenery on departure — Lake Zurich and the Alps — and during the cruise the left side faces east, giving views of the Iberian Peninsula as you track southwest over France and Spain. The right-side landing advantage at Gran Canaria is notable but shorter in duration than the extended Alpine and Iberian views on the left.
Flown ZRH to LPA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Gran Canaria is 1,865 miles (3,001 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The route tracks southwest over the Swiss Plateau, then crosses the French Rhône valley and the Massif Central, before crossing the Pyrenees into Spain. The flight then passes over the Meseta Central of Spain, the Sierra Morena, and crosses the Strait of Gibraltar or the southern Andalusian coast before heading out over the Atlantic toward the Canary Islands. The Moroccan coast may be briefly visible on the left before the open Atlantic crossing to Gran Canaria.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs on runway 16 heading south, or runway 28 heading west. On a southbound departure, the left side gives you the city of Zurich, Lake Zurich stretching southeast, and the first ridges of the Alps rising ahead. On a westbound departure, the left side still captures Lake Zurich and the Albis ridge.
Landing at LPA
RIGHTGran Canaria's main runway 03L/21R runs roughly north-south along the eastern coast. Arriving from the north on runway 03, the right side faces east toward the Atlantic and gives you the dramatic eastern coastline of Gran Canaria, the capital Las Palmas, and the volcanic interior mountains. The left side faces inland toward the runway and airport infrastructure.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Gran Canaria (LPA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Gran Canaria. The left side captures the most dramatic scenery on departure — Lake Zurich and the Alps — and during the cruise the left side faces east, giving views of the Iberian Peninsula as you track southwest over France and Spain. The right-side landing advantage at Gran Canaria is notable but shorter in duration than the extended Alpine and Iberian views on the left.
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 runway 28 heading west. On a southbound departure, the left side gives you the city of Zurich, Lake Zurich stretching southeast, and the first ridges of the Alps rising ahead. On a westbound departure, the left side still captures Lake Zurich and the Albis ridge. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, City of Zurich old town, Albis ridge, northern Alps foothills.
What can I see when landing at Gran Canaria in Gran Canaria?
When landing at Gran Canaria (LPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gran Canaria's main runway 03L/21R runs roughly north-south along the eastern coast. Arriving from the north on runway 03, the right side faces east toward the Atlantic and gives you the dramatic eastern coastline of Gran Canaria, the capital Las Palmas, and the volcanic interior mountains. The left side faces inland toward the runway and airport infrastructure. Notable sights include: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria city, eastern coastline of Gran Canaria, volcanic central highlands, Atlantic Ocean.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Gran Canaria?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Gran Canaria (LPA) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,865 miles (3,001 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Gran Canaria flight path pass over?
The route tracks southwest over the Swiss Plateau, then crosses the French Rhône valley and the Massif Central, before crossing the Pyrenees into Spain. The flight then passes over the Meseta Central of Spain, the Sierra Morena, and crosses the Strait of Gibraltar or the southern Andalusian coast before heading out over the Atlantic toward the Canary Islands. The Moroccan coast may be briefly visible on the left before the open Atlantic crossing to Gran Canaria.