While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach into LGA provides superior sightseeing with Manhattan's iconic skyline, the Hudson River, and East River all visible from the left side during the final 15 minutes of flight. This outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown ALB to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Albany to New York is 136 miles (219 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight path descends southeastward along the Hudson River corridor. Notable features include the Catskill Mountains (visible to the west/right during initial climb), the Hudson River valley (dominant throughout), Poughkeepsie area (roughly midpoint, 30 miles south of Albany), and the transition into the New York metropolitan area around Westchester County as you approach LGA. The Hudson remains the primary geographic reference for the entire route.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ALB
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Hudson River valley and Catskill Mountains as you climb out westbound. ALB typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound), but the initial climb-out turns toward the Hudson corridor, which dominates the right side during the first 10 minutes.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into LGA. You'll see the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River as you approach from the north. LGA typically uses runways 04/22 or 13/31; northbound approaches descend over the Hudson and Harlem River, placing Manhattan and the East River on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Albany International (ALB) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Albany to New York. While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach into LGA provides superior sightseeing with Manhattan's iconic skyline, the Hudson River, and East River all visible from the left side during the final 15 minutes of flight. This outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Albany International in Albany?
During takeoff from Albany International (ALB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Hudson River valley and Catskill Mountains as you climb out westbound. ALB typically departs runway 02 (northbound) or 20 (southbound), but the initial climb-out turns toward the Hudson corridor, which dominates the right side during the first 10 minutes. Notable sights include: Hudson River (immediate right, snaking south), Catskill Mountains (right horizon, roughly 40 miles west), Albany city grid (below and behind), Mohawk River confluence (visible briefly to the left before turning).
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into LGA. You'll see the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River as you approach from the north. LGA typically uses runways 04/22 or 13/31; northbound approaches descend over the Hudson and Harlem River, placing Manhattan and the East River on the left. Notable sights include: Hudson River (left, separating New Jersey from Manhattan), Manhattan skyline (left-center, recognizable cluster of tall buildings), East River (left, narrower waterway east of Manhattan), Harlem River and the Bronx (left-rear, visible before final turn).
How long is the flight from Albany to New York?
The flight from Albany International (ALB) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 136 miles (219 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Albany to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path descends southeastward along the Hudson River corridor. Notable features include the Catskill Mountains (visible to the west/right during initial climb), the Hudson River valley (dominant throughout), Poughkeepsie area (roughly midpoint, 30 miles south of Albany), and the transition into the New York metropolitan area around Westchester County as you approach LGA. The Hudson remains the primary geographic reference for the entire route.