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FAO destination photo
HAM destination photo

FAOHAM

Which side of the plane to sit from Faro Airport (Faro) to Hamburg Airport (Hamburg)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior mix of scenic diversity, including the unique tidal lagoons of the Algarve, views toward the distant Pyrenees, the industrial heart of Germany, and the most iconic views of Hamburg's city center and Alster lake during typical approach patterns.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏝️

Ria Formosa

Immediately after takeoff, see the intricate network of barrier islands and lagoons stretching toward Spain.

🏔️

Pyrenees Vista

On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees are visible on the eastern horizon while overflying Northern Spain.

🏰

Loire Valley

Glimpses of the winding Loire River and its surrounding historic châteaux while traversing central France.

🗼

Paris Outskirts

Depending on the airway, the distant skyline of Paris and the Eiffel Tower may be visible to the east.

🏭

The Ruhr Valley

The dense urban and industrial landscape of Germany's heartland as the flight turns north toward Hamburg.

🏙️

Hamburg City & Alster

Incredible views of the Elbphilharmonie, the city center, and the Alster lakes during the standard arrival into Runway 15 or 23.

The right side is essential for the best arrival experience; most flight paths into Hamburg provide a panoramic view of the 'Speicherstadt' and the city center from this side. For the best photography, aim for a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the Spanish and French landscapes clearly.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🌊

Algarve West Coast

Bird's-eye view of the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters of Southern Portugal shortly after takeoff.

⛰️

Cantabrian Mountains

Stunning views of the rugged Picos de Europa as the flight crosses the northern coast of Spain.

🏝️

French Atlantic Islands

Clear views of Île d'Oléron and Île de Ré off the coast of La Rochelle while overflying the Bay of Biscay.

🚢

Port of Hamburg

One of Europe's largest ports with massive container ships and cranes visible during the final descent.

Choose the left side for spectacular sunset views if flying in the late afternoon. Watch for the northern Spanish coastline near Santander where the mountains meet the sea. During the approach into HAM, the left side provides the best view of the massive Airbus assembly plant at Finkenwerder if landing from the southwest.

Top Activities in Hamburg
Route Information

Distance: 2,306 km (1,433 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 4 min

Departure: FAO (37.0144004822, -7.965909957889999)

Arrival: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)

Route Type: International

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