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ORY destination photo
SXF destination photo

ORYSXF

Which side of the plane to sit from Paris-Orly Airport (Paris) to Berlin-Schönefeld Airport (Berlin)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior primarily for the iconic departure views of the Paris skyline and the high probability of seeing central Berlin and its landmarks like the TV Tower during the descent and approach into Schönefeld/Brandenburg.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🗼

Paris Cityscape

Clear views of the Eiffel Tower, Seine River, and Sacré-Cœur shortly after departing Orly if the flight path heads north.

🍾

Champagne Region

The geometric patterns of the prestigious vineyards near Reims and the northern French plains.

⛰️

Harz Mountains

The granite peaks of northern Germany, including the Brocken, often visible as the flight crosses into Saxony-Anhalt.

🏰

Potsdam Lakes

The beautiful interconnected lakes of the Havel river and the historic palaces of Potsdam during the initial descent.

🏙️

Berlin Landmarks

Unrivaled views of the Fernsehturm (TV Tower) and the dense urban core of Berlin on a typical westerly approach.

Book a window seat on the left (A/B) for the best chance to capture the Paris skyline after takeoff. For landing, the left side is the 'city side'—if the wind is from the west, you'll fly directly past the city center. Afternoon flights are ideal on this side as the sun will be behind or above the plane, illuminating the ground perfectly.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🍇

Marne Valley

Scenic views of the winding Marne river and the southern reaches of the Champagne-Ardenne region.

🌳

Thuringian Forest

A vast, dense green canopy known as the 'Green Heart of Germany' stretching across the horizon.

🏢

Leipzig City

The skyline of Leipzig and its massive DHL air hub are often clearly visible to the south of the flight path.

🛶

Spreewald Biosphere

The unique, labyrinthine network of canals and wetlands located just south of the Berlin metropolitan area.

🚜

Brandenburg Farmland

The characteristic sandy soil and flat agricultural landscapes surrounding the airport.

The right side (E/F) is best for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It offers a more nature-oriented view, focusing on the forests of central Germany and the unique waterways of the Spreewald. If landing from the east, you may see the sprawling infrastructure of the BER airport complex just before touchdown.

Top Activities in Berlin
Route Information

Distance: 885 km (550 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 29 min

Departure: ORY (48.7233333, 2.3794444)

Arrival: SXF (52.380001, 13.5225)

Route Type: International

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