Left seats deliver the best views at both ends of the flight — the Alps and Lake Zurich on departure, and the St. Lawrence River and Montreal on arrival. The transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet over the North Atlantic offers little to differentiate sides, so the departure and arrival views are the deciding factor.
Flown ZRH to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Montreal is 3,726 miles (5,996 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
After crossing the Rhine and southern Germany, the route tracks northwest over the English Channel or southern England, then out over the North Atlantic. The flight path typically passes south of Greenland and Iceland, crossing the Labrador Sea before making landfall over Newfoundland or Labrador. The St. Lawrence River becomes visible on descent into Montreal.
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 westbound transatlantic routing, the aircraft turns northwest after departure. A left/south-facing seat captures Lake Zurich stretching southeast, the Glarus Alps beyond, and the city center. Right seats face north toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at YUL
LEFTMontreal's Dorval airport typically lands westbound traffic on runway 24L/24R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east over the St. Lawrence River and the island of Montreal. Left seats face south, giving a clear view of the St. Lawrence, the south shore, and the city grid of Montreal including Mount Royal as the aircraft descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Montreal. Left seats deliver the best views at both ends of the flight — the Alps and Lake Zurich on departure, and the St. Lawrence River and Montreal on arrival. The transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet over the North Atlantic offers little to differentiate sides, so the departure and arrival views are the deciding factor.
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 westbound transatlantic routing, the aircraft turns northwest after departure. A left/south-facing seat captures Lake Zurich stretching southeast, the Glarus Alps beyond, and the city center. Right seats face north toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Glarus Alps, Zurich old town (Altstadt), Lake Greifen.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Montreal's Dorval airport typically lands westbound traffic on runway 24L/24R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east over the St. Lawrence River and the island of Montreal. Left seats face south, giving a clear view of the St. Lawrence, the south shore, and the city grid of Montreal including Mount Royal as the aircraft descends. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, Montreal city grid, Île de Montréal.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Montreal?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,726 miles (5,996 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Montreal flight path pass over?
After crossing the Rhine and southern Germany, the route tracks northwest over the English Channel or southern England, then out over the North Atlantic. The flight path typically passes south of Greenland and Iceland, crossing the Labrador Sea before making landfall over Newfoundland or Labrador. The St. Lawrence River becomes visible on descent into Montreal.