While takeoff scenery is minimal on both sides due to Brasília's flat plateau terrain, the left side wins decisively because of the spectacular Rio approach, where Sugarloaf, Corcovado, and Guanabara Bay come into full view as the plane descends westward into GIG.
Flight Path
Serra da Mantiqueira highlands and the rolling hill country of southern Minas Gerais near the São Paulo–Rio de Janeiro border, with the Paraíba do Sul River valley visible in clear conditions
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BSB
RIGHTDeparting BSB to the east, the initial right turn toward Rio brings Lake Paranoá and the geometric layout of Brasília's Plano Piloto into view on the right side. The left side shows only the flat, featureless cerrado plateau.
Landing at GIG
LEFTGIG's arrival on runway 10 brings the aircraft in from the east over Guanabara Bay, heading west, putting Rio de Janeiro's iconic skyline and mountains on the left side of the plane. Sugarloaf, Corcovado, and the bay's islands make this one of the most dramatic landing sequences in South America.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brasilia to Rio De Janeiro. While takeoff scenery is minimal on both sides due to Brasília's flat plateau terrain, the left side wins decisively because of the spectacular Rio approach, where Sugarloaf, Corcovado, and Guanabara Bay come into full view as the plane descends westward into GIG.
What can I see during takeoff from Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek in Brasilia?
During takeoff from Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BSB to the east, the initial right turn toward Rio brings Lake Paranoá and the geometric layout of Brasília's Plano Piloto into view on the right side. The left side shows only the flat, featureless cerrado plateau. Notable sights include: Lake Paranoá, Brasília's Monumental Axis, Palácio da Alvorada, cerrado plateau.
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's arrival on runway 10 brings the aircraft in from the east over Guanabara Bay, heading west, putting Rio de Janeiro's iconic skyline and mountains on the left side of the plane. Sugarloaf, Corcovado, and the bay's islands make this one of the most dramatic landing sequences in South America. Notable sights include: Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, Guanabara Bay, Rio city skyline.
How long is the flight from Brasilia to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) takes 1h 25m.
What does the Brasilia to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
Serra da Mantiqueira highlands and the rolling hill country of southern Minas Gerais near the São Paulo–Rio de Janeiro border, with the Paraíba do Sul River valley visible in clear conditions