Loading map...

CGN destination photo
MAN destination photo

CGN โ†’ MAN

Which side of the plane to sit from Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne) to Manchester Airport (Manchester)?

Our Recommendation
8.4

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the industrial Rhine-Ruhr region, the world-class Port of Rotterdam, and the unique geographical features of the English east coast.

Right Side Highlights
8.4
๐Ÿญ

The Ruhr Valley

The massive industrial heartland of Germany, featuring a dense network of cities and factories.

๐ŸŒ‰

Dรผsseldorf and the Rhine

Clear views of the Rhine river winding through the urban landscape of North Rhine-Westphalia.

๐Ÿ—๏ธ

Europoort Rotterdam

The incredible scale of the Port of Rotterdam and the Maasvlakte land reclamation project.

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ

Offshore Wind Farms

Impressive arrays of wind turbines situated in the shallow waters of the North Sea.

๐Ÿš

The Wash Estuary

A very distinctive, large square-shaped bay on the East Anglian coast with visible sandbanks.

โ›ฐ๏ธ

Dark Peak Moors

The rugged, dramatic landscape of the northern Peak District as the aircraft approaches Manchester.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid sun glare. Keep your camera ready as you cross the Dutch coast for the best shots of the Rotterdam port engineering. On arrival into MAN, this side often sees the northern hills of the Pennines.

Left Side Highlights
7.6
๐Ÿฐ

Cologne City Center

Aerial view of the Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge shortly after takeoff from CGN.

โ›ฐ๏ธ

Eifel National Park

The rolling volcanic hills and dense forests of the Eifel region visible to the south of the flight path.

๐Ÿšข

Antwerp Harbor

Major shipping lanes and the sprawling logistical infrastructure of the Scheldt estuary.

๐ŸŒŠ

North Sea Horizon

Vast blue vistas and major shipping routes crossing between the European continent and the British Isles.

๐ŸŽ“

Cambridge Skyline

On clear days, the historic university town is visible as the flight traverses the East Midlands.

๐Ÿฅพ

Peak District South

The green valleys and limestone plateaus of the southern Peak District during the final descent.

Sit on the left for the best chance to see Cologne's landmarks on departure. During afternoon flights, use the window shade to block the direct southwest sun which can be intense on this side of the aircraft.

Top Activities in Manchester
Route Information

Distance: 699 km (434 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 10 min

Departure: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)

Arrival: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)

Route Type: International

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