Loading map...
ZRH → RIX
Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to Riga International Airport (Riga)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular peripheral view of the Swiss Alps during departure, the expansive Mazurian Lake District in Poland, and the best vantage point for Riga's skyline on the final approach.
Search flights from ZRH to RIX
Appenzell Alps
Jagged peaks like Säntis are visible to the south during the initial climb from Zurich.
Vistula River
The winding 'S' curves of Poland's longest river as the flight crosses Central Europe.
Mazurian Lake District
A stunning landscape of over 2,000 lakes in Northeastern Poland, resembling a blue patchwork.
Riga Old Town
The Daugava River and the UNESCO-listed historic center are frequently visible during the landing pattern.
The right side is the 'city side' for Riga. If the wind is from the south and the plane lands on Runway 18, you will get an iconic view of the Vanšu Bridge and the Old Town spires. In winter, the frozen lakes of Poland provide exceptional contrast.
Book Hotels in Riga
Lake Constance (Bodensee)
A massive lake shared by Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, clearly visible shortly after takeoff.
Gdansk Bay & Hel Peninsula
If the flight path trends west, you can see the distinctive thin sandbar of the Hel Peninsula.
Curonian Spit
The unique UNESCO-listed sand dune spit separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea.
Gulf of Riga
Sweeping views of the Baltic Sea and the Latvian coastline as the plane descends.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is superior for observing the transition from the German plains to the Baltic coastline. Watch for the Curonian Spit roughly 20-30 minutes before landing.
Get eSIMs for Switzerland
Get eSIMs for LatviaDistance: 1,481 km (920 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 58 min
Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Arrival: RIX (56.92359924316406, 23.971099853515625)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.