Loading map...
ORD → ZRH
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Zürich Airport (Zurich)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for transatlantic crossings to Switzerland, offering the best chance to view the dramatic Greenland ice cap, potential Aurora Borealis at night, and a stunning perspective of Lake Zurich during the final approach.
Search flights from ORD to ZRH
Lake Michigan
Immediate views of the deep blue waters and the North Shore coastline after departing Chicago.
Greenland Ice Sheet
Stunning vistas of massive glaciers and icebergs if the flight path tracks north over the Arctic circle.
Scottish Highlands
Rugged green terrain and lochs visible as the flight makes landfall over the British Isles.
The Black Forest
Dense evergreen canopies of southwestern Germany during the descent phase toward Switzerland.
Lake Zurich and City
A perfect view of the city center and the long, finger-like lake if landing on Runway 14/16.
Choose a window seat on the left (usually 'A' seats) for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights during the dark middle hours of this eastbound flight. Greenland is usually visible 4.5 to 5.5 hours after departure, provided there is daylight. On arrival, the left side typically offers a more iconic view of Zurich's urban layout and the lakefront.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for SwitzerlandChicago Skyline
A sweeping view of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers if the wind necessitates an eastbound departure.
Atlantic Sunrise
A front-row seat to a high-altitude sunrise over the ocean as you approach the European continent.
Paris and France
Distant views of the French countryside and occasionally the glow of the Paris metro area on southern tracks.
Lake Constance
The massive 'Bodensee' bordering Germany, Switzerland, and Austria during the initial descent.
Swiss Alps
While distant to the south, the snow-capped peaks of the Bernese Oberland dominate the horizon on the right.
The right side ('K' or 'L' seats) is ideal for passengers who enjoy watching the sunrise, which occurs rapidly over the Atlantic. While the left side gets the lake, the right side often provides a clearer panorama of the distant high Alps to the south during the approach to Zurich. Be aware that the morning sun can be very intense on this side, so keep the shade partially down.
Book Hotels in ZurichDistance: 7,131 km (4,431 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 23 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.