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ZRH → LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this route, primarily due to the legendary approach into London Heathrow. If the wind is blowing from the west (the most common scenario), the aircraft will fly directly over the heart of London from east to west, offering a front-row seat to the Shard, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.
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Zurich Cityscape
Excellent views of the northern end of Lake Zurich and the city center immediately following a northern departure from ZRH.
Vosges Mountains
The rolling, forested ridges of the Vosges in eastern France are visible as the plane reaches cruising altitude.
Strait of Dover
A clear view of the busiest shipping lane in the world as you cross the English Channel from France to the UK.
White Cliffs of Dover
The iconic chalky white coastline of Kent becomes visible as the aircraft makes its landfall in England.
Central London Landmarks
During a standard westerly landing, look for the Shard, the Tower of London, and the London Eye during the descent.
Buckingham Palace
Visible just before the final descent, the palace and Green Park appear as the plane aligns with the runway.
Book a window seat on the left (typically 'A') for the best 'aerial tour' of London. Aim for an afternoon flight; the sun will be behind or above the aircraft, providing the best lighting for photography of the city skyline. If the flight arrives from the east (standard westerly flow), the left side is unmatched. In winter, the early sunsets can offer a spectacular 'sparkling' view of London's lights.
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Jura Mountains
Shortly after takeoff, view the limestone ridges that form the border between Switzerland and France.
Champagne Region
Look down over the geometric patterns of the famous French vineyards in the Grand Est region.
Port of Calais
The massive ferry terminals and the northern French coast are visible before the Channel crossing.
Thames Estuary
The vast opening of the River Thames, featuring several offshore wind farms and large cargo ships.
Wembley Stadium
On the final approach to Heathrow from the east, the iconic white arch of Wembley is a prominent landmark to the north.
Sit on the right side (typically 'F' or 'K') if you prefer a view of the Jura Mountains and northern London suburbs. While the left side sees the major landmarks, the right side offers better views of the North Downs and Wembley Stadium. This side is also preferable if the airport happens to be operating on an easterly flow (landing from the west), which occurs roughly 30% of the time, as it would then provide the better city view upon departure or a rare visual of Windsor Castle on arrival.
Book Hotels in LondonDistance: 788 km (490 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 19 min
Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
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