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FRA → FCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt) to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer spectacular views of the Alps, the Right Side provides a superior perspective of the high Swiss peaks and glaciers, as well as the beautiful Mediterranean coastline and Tyrrhenian Sea during the final descent into Rome.
Black Forest
Dense evergreen canopies of southwestern Germany shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Lake Constance
The massive 'Bodensee' marking the border between Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Bernese Oberland
Prime views of the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks if the flight path tracks through central Switzerland.
Italian Lakes
Look down for the deep blue waters of Lake Como or Lake Maggiore as you cross into Italy.
Tyrrhenian Coastline
Spectacular views of the Mediterranean shoreline and the port of Civitavecchia during the arrival sequence.
Ostia Antica
The ancient Roman port and modern beaches of Ostia visible just seconds before touchdown at FCO.
The right side is the winner for the Alps crossing; the high glaciers are more prominent here. During the descent into Fiumicino, planes often fly over the sea and turn back toward the land, offering a stunning panoramic view of the coastline. Avoid mid-afternoon flights if possible to minimize sun glare on this side.
Frankfurt Skyline
Aerial view of Germany's financial district and the Main river immediately after takeoff.
Central & Eastern Alps
Dramatic views of the jagged Austrian and eastern Swiss massifs approximately 35 minutes into the flight.
Po Valley
The expansive, flat agricultural heartland of Northern Italy stretching toward the Adriatic.
Florence & Tuscany
On clear days, the distinctive red dome of the Florence Cathedral and the rolling Tuscan hills are visible.
The Eternal City
During the descent from the north, catch a distant glimpse of Rome and St. Peter's Basilica to the east.
Sit on the left for the best chance to spot the city of Rome and the Apennine Mountains during the descent. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the Alps and the Italian landscape perfectly without glare.
Distance: 958 km (595 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Arrival: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Route Type: International
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