While the Buffalo departure offers a nice lakefront glimpse and the cruise passes low hills and the edge of the Finger Lakes region on the left, the right side wins overall because the LGA approach delivers a sustained, iconic view of the Manhattan skyline across Long Island Sound — the single strongest scenic moment on this short route.
Flown BUF to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Buffalo to New York is 291 miles (469 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Southern Tier hill country of western/central New York, the eastern edge of the Finger Lakes region, and the foothills of the Catskill Mountains before the descent into the New York City area
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUF
LEFTDeparting BUF on runway 23, the aircraft turns left to pick up its eastbound course toward LGA, and during that turn the Lake Erie shoreline and downtown Buffalo swing into view on the left side. It's a brief but genuine urban-waterfront moment before the route heads inland.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTOn the typical straight-in approach to LGA runway 04 from the northeast, the aircraft tracks southwest over Long Island Sound and the Bronx, putting the Manhattan skyline out to the right side of the cabin as the plane lines up for landing. It's one of the most recognizable skyline views in commercial aviation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to New York. While the Buffalo departure offers a nice lakefront glimpse and the cruise passes low hills and the edge of the Finger Lakes region on the left, the right side wins overall because the LGA approach delivers a sustained, iconic view of the Manhattan skyline across Long Island Sound — the single strongest scenic moment on this short route.
What can I see during takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
During takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BUF on runway 23, the aircraft turns left to pick up its eastbound course toward LGA, and during that turn the Lake Erie shoreline and downtown Buffalo swing into view on the left side. It's a brief but genuine urban-waterfront moment before the route heads inland. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Buffalo Harbor, downtown Buffalo skyline, Niagara River outlet.
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. On the typical straight-in approach to LGA runway 04 from the northeast, the aircraft tracks southwest over Long Island Sound and the Bronx, putting the Manhattan skyline out to the right side of the cabin as the plane lines up for landing. It's one of the most recognizable skyline views in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Midtown towers), East River, Rikers Island, Flushing Bay.
How long is the flight from Buffalo to New York?
The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 291 miles (469 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Buffalo to New York flight path pass over?
Southern Tier hill country of western/central New York, the eastern edge of the Finger Lakes region, and the foothills of the Catskill Mountains before the descent into the New York City area