While takeoff offers excellent water views on the right, the landing approach into LGA provides more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left, including the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the final descent corridor. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses central New York State, passing over the Finger Lakes region (visible as elongated north-south water bodies during cruise), the Catskill Mountains to the southeast (appearing as rolling terrain on the horizon), and the Hudson River Valley as the aircraft descends toward the New York City area. The Appalachian plateau dominates the landscape between Buffalo and the Hudson Valley.
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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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to New York. While takeoff offers excellent water views on the right, the landing approach into LGA provides more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left, including the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the final descent corridor. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
During takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Niagara River and Lake Ontario immediately after departure. BUF typically departs runways 24 or 26 (westerly headings), so the aircraft climbs initially over water before turning southeast toward LGA. Right windows show the dramatic Niagara Gorge and the broader expanse of Lake Ontario. Notable sights include: Niagara River and Gorge, Lake Ontario, Niagara Falls (visible as mist/spray in good conditions), Welland Canal entrance.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during descent into LGA. Typical LGA arrivals use runways 04 or 13 (northeasterly approaches), so aircraft descend over the Hudson River, Manhattan, and Queens. Left windows frame the East River, Manhattan's skyline, and the approach corridor over water. Notable sights include: Hudson River, East River, Manhattan skyline, Queens neighborhoods and Flushing Bay.
How long is the flight from Buffalo to New York?
The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Buffalo to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central New York State, passing over the Finger Lakes region (visible as elongated north-south water bodies during cruise), the Catskill Mountains to the southeast (appearing as rolling terrain on the horizon), and the Hudson River Valley as the aircraft descends toward the New York City area. The Appalachian plateau dominates the landscape between Buffalo and the Hudson Valley.