The right side wins on both ends of this short hop — a harbor-and-skyline view leaving Boston, and a distant but genuine Manhattan skyline glimpse on the way into LaGuardia. The left side offers mostly open water and flat coastal terrain with no comparable landmarks.
Flown BOS to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to New York is 184 miles (296 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Brief cruise segment passing over Rhode Island near Providence and the Connecticut shoreline before descending toward Long Island Sound; flight is short enough that cruise altitude scenery is limited.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
RIGHTNoise-abatement departures from BOS climb out over Boston Harbor before turning toward New York, and on the turn the right side gets a clean look back at the Downtown Boston skyline and the Harbor Islands. The left side mostly sees open water and the South Shore suburbs.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTLGA arrivals coming down from the northeast bank toward runway 04 with Manhattan sitting off to the northwest, so right-side passengers get a clear, if distant, view of the skyline across the East River and Long Island Sound during the descent and turn. The left side faces Long Island's flat residential sprawl with no comparable landmark.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to New York. The right side wins on both ends of this short hop — a harbor-and-skyline view leaving Boston, and a distant but genuine Manhattan skyline glimpse on the way into LaGuardia. The left side offers mostly open water and flat coastal terrain with no comparable landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
During takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Noise-abatement departures from BOS climb out over Boston Harbor before turning toward New York, and on the turn the right side gets a clean look back at the Downtown Boston skyline and the Harbor Islands. The left side mostly sees open water and the South Shore suburbs. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor Islands, Downtown Boston skyline (Financial District/Back Bay), Logan Airport's harbor-side runways, South Boston coastline.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. LGA arrivals coming down from the northeast bank toward runway 04 with Manhattan sitting off to the northwest, so right-side passengers get a clear, if distant, view of the skyline across the East River and Long Island Sound during the descent and turn. The left side faces Long Island's flat residential sprawl with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Rikers Island, Long Island Sound.
How long is the flight from Boston to New York?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 184 miles (296 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to New York flight path pass over?
Brief cruise segment passing over Rhode Island near Providence and the Connecticut shoreline before descending toward Long Island Sound; flight is short enough that cruise altitude scenery is limited.