Right-side seats offer the most consistent scenic value: Alpine views during departure from Zurich and continued views of the North Atlantic, Greenland's glaciated terrain, and the Canadian Shield during the transatlantic crossing. Left-side seats only gain advantage during the final Toronto approach.
Flown ZRH to YTZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Toronto is 4,026 miles (6,479 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours. Notable features include the North Atlantic coastline of Ireland and the UK (if visible during daylight), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visually distinctive from altitude), Greenland's ice sheet and glaciated fjords (if on a more northern routing), and the Canadian Shield's lakes and boreal forest as you approach North America. Most of the midpoint crossing occurs over open ocean with no visible landmarks.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Alps during the initial climb-out from Zurich. The aircraft typically departs northwestward, and the snow-capped peaks of the central Alps are visible to the south and southeast as you gain altitude over the Swiss plateau.
Landing at YTZ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during approach to City Centre Airport. The aircraft descends over the lake from the south, and left-side passengers see the shoreline, downtown Toronto's skyline, and the Toronto Islands clearly.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to City Centre (YTZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Toronto. Right-side seats offer the most consistent scenic value: Alpine views during departure from Zurich and continued views of the North Atlantic, Greenland's glaciated terrain, and the Canadian Shield during the transatlantic crossing. Left-side seats only gain advantage during the final Toronto approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Alps during the initial climb-out from Zurich. The aircraft typically departs northwestward, and the snow-capped peaks of the central Alps are visible to the south and southeast as you gain altitude over the Swiss plateau. Notable sights include: Central Alps (Bernese Oberland peaks), Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), Swiss Plateau farmland, Rhine Valley to the north.
What can I see when landing at City Centre in Toronto?
When landing at City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during approach to City Centre Airport. The aircraft descends over the lake from the south, and left-side passengers see the shoreline, downtown Toronto's skyline, and the Toronto Islands clearly. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands (Centre Island, Ward's Island), Downtown Toronto skyline, Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline).
How long is the flight from Zurich to Toronto?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to City Centre (YTZ) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,026 miles (6,479 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours. Notable features include the North Atlantic coastline of Ireland and the UK (if visible during daylight), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visually distinctive from altitude), Greenland's ice sheet and glaciated fjords (if on a more northern routing), and the Canadian Shield's lakes and boreal forest as you approach North America. Most of the midpoint crossing occurs over open ocean with no visible landmarks.