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BIO destination photo
AMS destination photo

BIOAMS

Which side of the plane to sit from Bilbao Airport (Bilbao) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam)?

Our Recommendation
8.4

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a magnificent perspective of the Atlantic coastline, featuring the rugged Bay of Biscay, the picturesque islands of Western France, and a stunning approach over the Dutch North Sea coast.

Left Side Highlights
8.4
🌊

Bay of Biscay

Dramatic views of the Cantabrian Sea and the transition from the Spanish to the French coastline shortly after takeoff.

🏝️

Charente-Maritime Islands

Clear aerial views of the distinctive Île d'Oléron and Île de Ré connected to the mainland by long bridges.

⚓

Brittany Coastline

The westernmost peninsula of France visible across the water as the plane tracks north toward the English Channel.

🚢

English Channel Crossing

A view of the world's busiest shipping lanes and the distant white cliffs of the Normandy coast.

🏖️

Dutch Dunes

Beautiful views of the vast sand dunes and beach resorts like Zandvoort during the final approach into Schiphol.

For the best experience, choose an afternoon flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the French coast and Dutch beaches. During the descent into AMS, look for the 'Polderbaan' runway if landing from the north, which offers views of the North Sea Canal.

Right Side Highlights
7.6
⛰️

Basque Mountains

The green, rolling peaks of the Basque Country and the western edge of the Pyrenees visible immediately after departure.

🍷

Gironde Estuary

The massive estuary of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, marking the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine region.

🏰

Loire Valley

Crossing the 'Garden of France' where you can spot the winding Loire River and its surrounding historic estates.

🚜

Northern French Plains

Expansive geometric patterns of agricultural fields stretching across the Picardy and Flanders regions.

🏙️

Amsterdam City View

Depending on the runway in use, you may see the concentric canal rings and the bustling Port of Amsterdam.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the sunrise over the European continent. Keep your eyes peeled for the Eiffel Tower in the far distance when passing west of Paris, and watch for the complex Dutch polder landscape during the landing phase.

Top Activities in Amsterdam
Route Information

Distance: 1,153 km (716 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min

Departure: BIO (43.30110168457031, -2.9106099605560303)

Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)

Route Type: International

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