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CPT → AMS
Which side of the plane to sit from Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior departure experience with iconic views of Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula, followed by a dramatic sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Table Mountain
A world-class view of the iconic flat-topped mountain and the Cape Town City Bowl immediately after takeoff.
Atlantic Seaboard
The dramatic coastline where the Twelve Apostles mountain range meets the cold Atlantic waters.
Namib Desert
Vast stretches of ancient orange dunes along the Skeleton Coast as you fly north over Namibia.
Atlantic Sunset
Vibrant colors reflecting off the ocean during the first leg of the journey before nightfall.
French Countryside
The transition from the Mediterranean to the verdant, rolling landscapes of central and northern France.
Dutch Coastline
Potential views of the North Sea coastline and the massive Polderbaan landing strip surroundings.
For the best Table Mountain view, hope for a northbound departure from runway 01. Since this is an overnight flight, the most scenic portions are the first 90 minutes and the last hour. If the flight arrives in Amsterdam via the North Sea, the left side provides the best view of the coast and dikes.
Cape Winelands
Lush, green valleys and rugged mountain ranges of the Boland region during the initial climb.
Kalahari Basin
The vast, arid landscapes of the South African and Botswanan interior as you head toward the equator.
Tibesti Mountains
A prehistoric landscape of volcanic peaks and canyons in the heart of the Sahara Desert.
Mediterranean Islands
Glittering blue waters with potential views of Sardinia or Corsica depending on the specific flight corridor.
The Swiss Alps
Breathtaking morning views of snow-capped European peaks as the sun rises on the right side of the aircraft.
Dutch Randstad
The dense network of canals, greenhouses, and cities of the southern Netherlands during descent.
The right side is ideal for morning light. As you approach Europe, the rising sun illuminates the Alps, providing incredible photo opportunities. However, the sun will be direct, so you may need to lower your shade for part of the morning to avoid glare.
Distance: 9,687 km (6,019 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 24 min
Departure: CPT (-33.9648017883, 18.6016998291)
Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Route Type: International
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