Loading map...

BIO destination photo
FRA destination photo

BIO โ†’ FRA

Which side of the plane to sit from Bilbao Airport (Bilbao) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt)?

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior mix of diverse topography, including the volcanic peaks of the Massif Central and the best perspective of the Frankfurt skyline upon arrival.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
๐Ÿ”๏ธ

Pyrenees Ranges

Distant but clear views of the high peaks of the Pyrenees to the southeast shortly after departing Bilbao.

๐ŸŒ‹

Massif Central

The ancient volcanic landscape of the Chaรฎne des Puys, including the prominent dome of Puy de Dรดme.

๐Ÿท

Bordeaux Vineyards

A sprawling patchwork of world-famous wine estates around the Gironde estuary and the Dordogne region.

๐ŸŒฒ

Vosges Mountains

Dense forest ridges and rolling hills as the flight crosses from Eastern France into the Rhine rift valley.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ

Frankfurt Skyline

The iconic cluster of skyscrapers known as 'Mainhattan' is usually most visible from the right on the final approach.

The right side is best for afternoon flights when the sun is in the west, illuminating the French interior. Keep your camera ready as you pass Central France for the unique volcanic craters. On the final approach to FRA, look out for the clear contrast between the Odenwald forest and the urban sprawl.

Left Side Highlights
7.6
๐ŸŒŠ

Bay of Biscay Coast

Dramatic views of the rugged Basque shoreline and the transition from the Cantabrian Sea to the French coast.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ

Dune du Pilat

The tallest sand dune in Europe is often visible as the flight path tracks north along the Silver Coast.

๐Ÿฐ

Loire Valley

Views of the winding Loire River, known as the 'Garden of France,' featuring several historic chateaus in the distance.

๐Ÿ‡

Moselle Valley

The intricate, winding loops of the Moselle River and its steep vineyard slopes near the border of Luxembourg.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and enjoy the soft coastal light of the Bay of Biscay. This side is ideal for spotting the unique horseshoe bends of the Moselle River during the descent phase into Germany.

Top Activities in Frankfurt
Route Information

Distance: 1,150 km (715 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min

Departure: BIO (43.30110168457031, -2.9106099605560303)

Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.