While the right side wins at Schiphol for Amsterdam city views, the left side at Galeão delivers one of the most spectacular airport approaches in the world — Sugarloaf, Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, and the Rio skyline simultaneously. Over the Atlantic crossing the views are largely ocean on both sides, so the landing experience tips the balance decisively to the left.
Flight Path
The route tracks southwest over France and the Iberian Peninsula, crossing the Portuguese coast near Lisbon, then heads out over the Atlantic. It crosses the equator roughly over the open ocean west of the Gulf of Guinea. The flight passes over the Cape Verde Islands area in the mid-Atlantic, then approaches the Brazilian coast near Recife or Natal in the northeast before tracking south along the coast toward Rio. The Brazilian coastline with its beaches and the Serra do Mar escarpment become visible in the final hour of flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTSchiphol typically departs southwest on runway 18R/24 or northeast on 36C/06. For southbound routes to Rio, aircraft usually depart on runways oriented southwest, then turn south. The right side gives you Amsterdam city center, the IJ river, and the historic canal ring as you climb out heading southwest before turning south.
Landing at GIG
LEFTGaleão airport sits on Ilha do Governador in Guanabara Bay. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast over the Atlantic or from the north, landing on runways oriented roughly northeast-southwest. The left side gives you the iconic view of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), and the Rio city skyline as you descend over the bay.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Rio De Janeiro. While the right side wins at Schiphol for Amsterdam city views, the left side at Galeão delivers one of the most spectacular airport approaches in the world — Sugarloaf, Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, and the Rio skyline simultaneously. Over the Atlantic crossing the views are largely ocean on both sides, so the landing experience tips the balance decisively to the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Schiphol typically departs southwest on runway 18R/24 or northeast on 36C/06. For southbound routes to Rio, aircraft usually depart on runways oriented southwest, then turn south. The right side gives you Amsterdam city center, the IJ river, and the historic canal ring as you climb out heading southwest before turning south. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring (UNESCO), IJ river and Amsterdam Centraal area, Amstel river threading south through the city, Haarlem and the North Sea coast to the west.
What can I see when landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim in Rio De Janeiro?
When landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Galeão airport sits on Ilha do Governador in Guanabara Bay. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast over the Atlantic or from the north, landing on runways oriented roughly northeast-southwest. The left side gives you the iconic view of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), and the Rio city skyline as you descend over the bay. Notable sights include: Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) at the bay entrance, Guanabara Bay and its islands, Rio de Janeiro city skyline and Niterói across the bay, Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer statue on the ridge above the city.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Amsterdam to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
The route tracks southwest over France and the Iberian Peninsula, crossing the Portuguese coast near Lisbon, then heads out over the Atlantic. It crosses the equator roughly over the open ocean west of the Gulf of Guinea. The flight passes over the Cape Verde Islands area in the mid-Atlantic, then approaches the Brazilian coast near Recife or Natal in the northeast before tracking south along the coast toward Rio. The Brazilian coastline with its beaches and the Serra do Mar escarpment become visible in the final hour of flight.