While the right side wins at takeoff for Lake Zurich and the Alps, the left side captures the most dramatic scenery overall — the full Alpine crossing through central Switzerland and into the Adriatic approach with the Dalmatian island chain. The left side also picks up the Dinaric Alps along the Croatian coast during descent.
Flight Path
Zurich to Split is 462 miles (744 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
The flight crosses the Swiss Alps (Graubünden canton), then tracks over northern Italy near Brescia and Verona, crosses the Venetian plain, passes over the northern Adriatic near Venice, then follows the Dalmatian coast southward. The Dinaric Alps run parallel to the coast on the left side during descent into Split.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
RIGHTZurich typically departs on runway 16 (southbound) or 28 (westbound). On a southbound departure toward Split, the right side gives you views over Lake Zurich stretching southeast, with the Glarus Alps rising beyond. The city center and Zurichsee are clearly visible before you climb into the Alps.
Landing at SPU
LEFTSplit airport sits on the coast and typically lands on runway 05 (northeast approach) or 23 (southwest approach). On a northeast approach, the left side faces the Adriatic and the Dalmatian islands — Brač, Šolta, and Hvar are all clearly visible as elongated limestone islands in the sea. The old town of Split on its peninsula is also visible on the left during final approach.
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 Split (SPU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Split. While the right side wins at takeoff for Lake Zurich and the Alps, the left side captures the most dramatic scenery overall — the full Alpine crossing through central Switzerland and into the Adriatic approach with the Dalmatian island chain. The left side also picks up the Dinaric Alps along the Croatian coast during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 (southbound) or 28 (westbound). On a southbound departure toward Split, the right side gives you views over Lake Zurich stretching southeast, with the Glarus Alps rising beyond. The city center and Zurichsee are clearly visible before you climb into the Alps. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), Glarus Alps, Uetliberg ridge to the west, Zurich city center.
What can I see when landing at Split in Split?
When landing at Split (SPU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Split airport sits on the coast and typically lands on runway 05 (northeast approach) or 23 (southwest approach). On a northeast approach, the left side faces the Adriatic and the Dalmatian islands — Brač, Šolta, and Hvar are all clearly visible as elongated limestone islands in the sea. The old town of Split on its peninsula is also visible on the left during final approach. Notable sights include: Island of Brač, Island of Hvar, Split old town peninsula, Adriatic Sea.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Split?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Split (SPU) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 462 miles (744 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Split flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Swiss Alps (Graubünden canton), then tracks over northern Italy near Brescia and Verona, crosses the Venetian plain, passes over the northern Adriatic near Venice, then follows the Dalmatian coast southward. The Dinaric Alps run parallel to the coast on the left side during descent into Split.