The right side provides a more consistent scenic experience across the flight, with Appalachian ridgelines visible during climb-out and cruise over Tennessee and Virginia, while the left side's Lake Erie payoff only appears briefly on final approach.
Flown ATL to BUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Buffalo is 713 miles (1,147 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Appalachian Mountains including the Blue Ridge and Allegheny ridges, Tennessee River valley, West Virginia highlands, Allegheny Plateau of Pennsylvania
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
RIGHTDeparting ATL to the northeast, the right side faces the rising foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the climb continues into north Georgia and the Carolinas, giving early texture to the terrain. The left side shows the flatter Piedmont plateau with little relief.
Landing at BUF
LEFTOn approach into BUF from the south, the left side offers views of Lake Erie's shoreline and the city of Buffalo itself as the plane lines up for runway 05 or 23. The right side mostly shows rural farmland with less visual interest.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Buffalo. The right side provides a more consistent scenic experience across the flight, with Appalachian ridgelines visible during climb-out and cruise over Tennessee and Virginia, while the left side's Lake Erie payoff only appears briefly on final approach.
What can I see during takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
During takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ATL to the northeast, the right side faces the rising foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the climb continues into north Georgia and the Carolinas, giving early texture to the terrain. The left side shows the flatter Piedmont plateau with little relief. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge foothills, North Georgia mountains, Chattahoochee River valley.
What can I see when landing at Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
When landing at Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into BUF from the south, the left side offers views of Lake Erie's shoreline and the city of Buffalo itself as the plane lines up for runway 05 or 23. The right side mostly shows rural farmland with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Buffalo skyline, Niagara River mouth.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Buffalo?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 713 miles (1,147 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Buffalo flight path pass over?
Appalachian Mountains including the Blue Ridge and Allegheny ridges, Tennessee River valley, West Virginia highlands, Allegheny Plateau of Pennsylvania