The left side wins on both ends of this short hop — São Paulo's skyline and parks during the turn after takeoff, then Sugarloaf, Guanabara Bay, and Rio's skyline on the descent into SDU. The right side offers comparatively flat, featureless views for most of the flight.
Flight Path
Forested ridgelines of the Serra do Mar range and glimpses of the Atlantic coastline near Santos before the aircraft turns north toward Rio's Guanabara Bay
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CGH
LEFTDepartures from CGH climb south over São Paulo's Zona Sul before banking east toward Rio, and that turn keeps the city's dense skyline, Ibirapuera Park, and the Pinheiros River visible on the left side. The right side mostly shows flatter residential sprawl with less definition.
Landing at SDU
LEFTSDU's approach for runway 20 comes in from the north over Guanabara Bay, and Sugarloaf Mountain along with Rio's skyline and Corcovado sit on the left side of the aircraft during final descent. The right side faces open bay water with little to see until touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Congonhas (CGH) to Santos Dumont (SDU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Rio De Janeiro. The left side wins on both ends of this short hop — São Paulo's skyline and parks during the turn after takeoff, then Sugarloaf, Guanabara Bay, and Rio's skyline on the descent into SDU. The right side offers comparatively flat, featureless views for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Congonhas in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Congonhas (CGH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from CGH climb south over São Paulo's Zona Sul before banking east toward Rio, and that turn keeps the city's dense skyline, Ibirapuera Park, and the Pinheiros River visible on the left side. The right side mostly shows flatter residential sprawl with less definition. Notable sights include: São Paulo skyline (Avenida Paulista towers), Ibirapuera Park, Pinheiros River, Serra do Mar ridgeline appearing ahead as the aircraft turns east.
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's approach for runway 20 comes in from the north over Guanabara Bay, and Sugarloaf Mountain along with Rio's skyline and Corcovado sit on the left side of the aircraft during final descent. The right side faces open bay water with little to see until touchdown. Notable sights include: Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro city skyline, Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer in the distance.
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from Congonhas (CGH) to Santos Dumont (SDU) takes 1h 05m.
What does the Sao Paulo to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
Forested ridgelines of the Serra do Mar range and glimpses of the Atlantic coastline near Santos before the aircraft turns north toward Rio's Guanabara Bay