While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and memorable—Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, and Sugarloaf Mountain are iconic and clearly visible. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown BSB to SDU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Brasilia to Rio De Janeiro is 577 miles (928 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the interior plateau of Rio de Janeiro state. Notable features include the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range to the east (visible as a distant ridge on clear days), the Paraíba do Sul river valley to the southeast, and the transition from the drier central plateau to the more humid coastal terrain as the aircraft descends toward Rio. The landscape shifts from sparse plateau vegetation to increasingly dense Atlantic Forest coverage as you approach the coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BSB
RIGHTBSB typically departs to the east or northeast. Right-side seats capture the sprawling planned city layout of Brasília with its distinctive curved street patterns, and the transition toward the central plateau terrain. Left side faces the less developed western outskirts.
Landing at SDU
LEFTSDU (Santos Dumont) sits on the north shore of Guanabara Bay in downtown Rio. Approaching from the southwest (typical descent vector), left-side seats offer direct views of the bay's distinctive shape, the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado mountain, and the city's beachfront districts. Right side faces the inland western suburbs.
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 Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB) to Santos Dumont (SDU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brasilia to Rio De Janeiro. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and memorable—Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, and Sugarloaf Mountain are iconic and clearly visible. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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. BSB typically departs to the east or northeast. Right-side seats capture the sprawling planned city layout of Brasília with its distinctive curved street patterns, and the transition toward the central plateau terrain. Left side faces the less developed western outskirts. Notable sights include: Brasília's monumental axis and curved residential sectors, Paranoá Lake (artificial reservoir southeast of the city), the central plateau escarpment dropping away to the west.
What can I see when landing at Santos Dumont in Rio De Janeiro?
When landing at Santos Dumont (SDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. SDU (Santos Dumont) sits on the north shore of Guanabara Bay in downtown Rio. Approaching from the southwest (typical descent vector), left-side seats offer direct views of the bay's distinctive shape, the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado mountain, and the city's beachfront districts. Right side faces the inland western suburbs. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay with its irregular shoreline and islands, Corcovado mountain with Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) at the bay's mouth, the beachfront neighborhoods of Flamengo and Botafogo.
How long is the flight from Brasilia to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB) to Santos Dumont (SDU) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 577 miles (928 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Brasilia to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the interior plateau of Rio de Janeiro state. Notable features include the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range to the east (visible as a distant ridge on clear days), the Paraíba do Sul river valley to the southeast, and the transition from the drier central plateau to the more humid coastal terrain as the aircraft descends toward Rio. The landscape shifts from sparse plateau vegetation to increasingly dense Atlantic Forest coverage as you approach the coast.