The left side wins at both ends of this short flight. Over Zurich you get Lake Zurich and the Alps, and over Vienna you get the Danube and the city center. The flight is too short and too low for dramatic mid-flight scenery, so the departure and arrival views are what matter most.
Flown ZRH to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Vienna is 375 miles (603 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The flight crosses the Austrian Alps briefly near Innsbruck/Salzburg corridor, then traverses the flat Bavarian and Upper Austrian plains. The Inn River valley and Salzburg may be faintly visible depending on routing. Much of the cruise is over the flat agricultural Danube basin of Upper Austria.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs eastbound on runway 28/10 or 16/34. On an eastbound departure toward Vienna, a left-side seat gives you views over Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the city center, while the right side faces north toward less dramatic terrain. The Glarus Alps and Lake Zurich are the standout features from the left.
Landing at VIE
LEFTVienna Schwechat typically lands from the west on runway 29, meaning the aircraft approaches from the west-southwest. A left-side seat on approach gives a clear view over the Danube River, Vienna's historic city center, and the Prater district. The right side faces south toward flat agricultural land with little of interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Vienna. The left side wins at both ends of this short flight. Over Zurich you get Lake Zurich and the Alps, and over Vienna you get the Danube and the city center. The flight is too short and too low for dramatic mid-flight scenery, so the departure and arrival views are what matter most.
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 eastbound on runway 28/10 or 16/34. On an eastbound departure toward Vienna, a left-side seat gives you views over Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the city center, while the right side faces north toward less dramatic terrain. The Glarus Alps and Lake Zurich are the standout features from the left. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), Zurich city center and old town, Glarus Alps to the southeast, Lake Greifen (Greifensee) just east of the city.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Vienna Schwechat typically lands from the west on runway 29, meaning the aircraft approaches from the west-southwest. A left-side seat on approach gives a clear view over the Danube River, Vienna's historic city center, and the Prater district. The right side faces south toward flat agricultural land with little of interest. Notable sights include: Danube River and Danube Canal, Vienna historic center and Ringstrasse, Prater park and Riesenrad area, Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) on the western horizon.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Vienna?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 375 miles (603 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Vienna flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Austrian Alps briefly near Innsbruck/Salzburg corridor, then traverses the flat Bavarian and Upper Austrian plains. The Inn River valley and Salzburg may be faintly visible depending on routing. Much of the cruise is over the flat agricultural Danube basin of Upper Austria.