The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight: Lake Zurich and the Alps on departure, and Valencia city plus the Albufera lagoon on arrival. During the cruise over the Pyrenees and eastern Spain, the left side also faces slightly more toward the interior mountain terrain rather than open Mediterranean.
Flown ZRH to VLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Valencia is 712 miles (1,146 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses the Swiss Alps south of Zurich, then tracks over the Rhône valley and Lyon area in France, crosses the Pyrenees into Spain near the eastern end of the range, then descends over the Ebro valley and the arid Aragonese plateau before reaching the Valencia coastal plain. The Pyrenees crossing is the most visually dramatic midpoint feature, visible as a broad snow-capped ridgeline below.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs on runway 16 (southbound) or 28 (westbound). On a southbound departure toward Valencia, the left side faces east and then southeast, giving views over Lake Zurich stretching away to the southeast and the Glarus Alps rising beyond. The right side faces the city center and Zurich's urban sprawl, which is less dramatic.
Landing at VLC
LEFTValencia's main runway 12/30 means arrivals often come in from the northwest or northeast. Approaching from the northeast over the Mediterranean, the left side faces inland toward the city of Valencia, the Albufera lagoon just south of the city, and the Turia riverbed. The right side looks out over open Mediterranean water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Valencia (VLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Valencia. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight: Lake Zurich and the Alps on departure, and Valencia city plus the Albufera lagoon on arrival. During the cruise over the Pyrenees and eastern Spain, the left side also faces slightly more toward the interior mountain terrain rather than open Mediterranean.
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 (southbound) or 28 (westbound). On a southbound departure toward Valencia, the left side faces east and then southeast, giving views over Lake Zurich stretching away to the southeast and the Glarus Alps rising beyond. The right side faces the city center and Zurich's urban sprawl, which is less dramatic. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich (Zürichsee) below and to the southeast, Glarus Alps in the middle distance, Linth plain between the lake and the mountains, Walensee visible further southeast on clear days.
What can I see when landing at Valencia in Valencia?
When landing at Valencia (VLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Valencia's main runway 12/30 means arrivals often come in from the northwest or northeast. Approaching from the northeast over the Mediterranean, the left side faces inland toward the city of Valencia, the Albufera lagoon just south of the city, and the Turia riverbed. The right side looks out over open Mediterranean water. Notable sights include: City of Valencia and its historic center, Albufera lagoon (La Albufera) south of the city, Turia riverbed/park cutting through the urban area, Huerta de Valencia agricultural plain.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Valencia?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Valencia (VLC) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 712 miles (1,146 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Valencia flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Swiss Alps south of Zurich, then tracks over the Rhône valley and Lyon area in France, crosses the Pyrenees into Spain near the eastern end of the range, then descends over the Ebro valley and the arid Aragonese plateau before reaching the Valencia coastal plain. The Pyrenees crossing is the most visually dramatic midpoint feature, visible as a broad snow-capped ridgeline below.