Loading map...

RAK destination photo
CGN destination photo

RAKCGN

Which side of the plane to sit from Menara Airport (Marrakech) to Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the High Atlas Mountains upon departure, a direct look at the Strait of Gibraltar, the snow-capped Pyrenees, and the scenic Rhine River descent into Cologne.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

High Atlas Mountains

Immediate views of North Africa's highest peaks, often snow-capped, rising sharply from the Marrakech plains.

🚢

Strait of Gibraltar

The dramatic meeting point of Africa and Europe, with the Rock of Gibraltar clearly visible to the east.

🏙️

Madrid Metropolitan Area

A high-altitude view of the Spanish capital's sprawling urban layout and surrounding dry plateaus.

🏔️

The Pyrenees

One of the flight's highlights, crossing the jagged mountain border between Spain and France.

🏰

Loire Valley Chateaux

The 'Garden of France' featuring numerous historic castles and lush vineyards scattered along the river.

🌊

Rhine River Bend

Dramatic views of the Rhine river snaking through the industrial and historic heart of the Rhineland.

Sit on the right for the best mountain views. In the morning, the Atlas and Pyrenees are beautifully illuminated. As you approach Cologne, the right side often provides a stunning parallel view of the Rhine river and the city's iconic cathedral depending on the landing runway (usually 14L or 32R).

Left Side Highlights
7.9
🕌

Casablanca & Rabat

Aerial perspectives of the Moroccan Atlantic coastline including the massive Hassan II Mosque.

🏖️

Costa de la Luz

The golden beaches of Cadiz and the mouth of the Guadalquivir River in southern Spain.

💧

Tagus River Valley

The winding path of the Iberian Peninsula's longest river as the flight heads north through Spain.

🌊

Bay of Biscay Coast

Panoramic views of the rugged French coastline and the city of Bordeaux near the Garonne estuary.

🗼

Greater Paris Area

On clear days, the distant silhouette of Paris and its surrounding forests are visible to the west.

🌲

Eifel National Park

Dense forests and volcanic lakes of the Eifel region during the final approach into Germany.

Choose the left side for coastal views of Morocco and Spain. This side is better during afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare while flying north. Keep an eye out for the Atlantic horizon where the blue water meets the rugged Iberian cliffs.

Top Activities in Cologne
Route Information

Distance: 2,478 km (1,540 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 18 min

Departure: RAK (31.6068992615, -8.036299705510002)

Arrival: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.