The left side wins overall. While right side has the better Atlanta departure view, the left side delivers the spectacular GIG arrival over Guanabara Bay with Sugarloaf and the Rio cityscape — one of the most dramatic airport approaches in the world. During the cruise over the Amazon basin and Brazilian interior, neither side has a decisive advantage, but left occasionally tracks closer to the Venezuelan and Brazilian coastal ranges.
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Flight Path
Atlanta to Rio De Janeiro is 4,748 miles (7,641 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The flight crosses the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba and Hispaniola, then over Venezuela or Colombia depending on routing. It then crosses the vast Amazon basin — the river itself and its tributaries are visible as wide brown ribbons through dense green rainforest canopy. The Brazilian Cerrado (savanna plateau) follows before descending toward the Rio coast. The Serra do Mar coastal escarpment is briefly visible on descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
RIGHTATL primarily uses its south complex runways (28R/28L) departing westward, then turns south. A right-side seat gives you the Atlanta skyline to the northwest as you climb out, plus Stone Mountain's distinctive granite dome is visible to the northeast. Left side faces mostly suburban sprawl toward the airport's north complex.
Landing at GIG
LEFTGIG sits on Ilha do Governador in Guanabara Bay. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 10, meaning a left-side seat faces south toward the bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio cityscape. Right side faces mostly open Atlantic Ocean and the northern industrial outskirts.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Rio De Janeiro. The left side wins overall. While right side has the better Atlanta departure view, the left side delivers the spectacular GIG arrival over Guanabara Bay with Sugarloaf and the Rio cityscape — one of the most dramatic airport approaches in the world. During the cruise over the Amazon basin and Brazilian interior, neither side has a decisive advantage, but left occasionally tracks closer to the Venezuelan and Brazilian coastal ranges.
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. ATL primarily uses its south complex runways (28R/28L) departing westward, then turns south. A right-side seat gives you the Atlanta skyline to the northwest as you climb out, plus Stone Mountain's distinctive granite dome is visible to the northeast. Left side faces mostly suburban sprawl toward the airport's north complex. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown skyline, Stone Mountain granite dome, Lake Lanier reservoir to the north, Hartsfield-Jackson airport complex layout below.
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. GIG sits on Ilha do Governador in Guanabara Bay. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 10, meaning a left-side seat faces south toward the bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio cityscape. Right side faces mostly open Atlantic Ocean and the northern industrial outskirts. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Rio de Janeiro city center and Flamengo waterfront, Niterói across the bay.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,748 miles (7,641 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba and Hispaniola, then over Venezuela or Colombia depending on routing. It then crosses the vast Amazon basin — the river itself and its tributaries are visible as wide brown ribbons through dense green rainforest canopy. The Brazilian Cerrado (savanna plateau) follows before descending toward the Rio coast. The Serra do Mar coastal escarpment is briefly visible on descent.