While takeoff offers a brief glimpse of Columbus, the left-side approach into LGA delivers a genuine, recognizable New York City skyline view that outweighs the modest Midwest departure scenery.
Flown CMH to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Columbus to New York is 477 miles (768 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
The route crosses the Allegheny Plateau and Ridge-and-Valley Province of Pennsylvania, passing near the Susquehanna River and the forested ridgelines of the Pocono Mountains before descending toward the New York metropolitan area.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMH
RIGHTWith typical westerly winds, CMH departures use runway 28 (heading northwest) then turn right toward New York, swinging the right side of the cabin across downtown Columbus and the Scioto River before leveling out over the Ohio farmland.

Landing at LGA
LEFTOn the common southwest-to-northeast approach into runway 04, the aircraft tracks up past Staten Island and Brooklyn with Manhattan's skyline sitting off the left side just before touchdown at LGA.
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 Port Columbus International (CMH) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Columbus to New York. While takeoff offers a brief glimpse of Columbus, the left-side approach into LGA delivers a genuine, recognizable New York City skyline view that outweighs the modest Midwest departure scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Columbus International in Columbus?
During takeoff from Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Right side for the best views. With typical westerly winds, CMH departures use runway 28 (heading northwest) then turn right toward New York, swinging the right side of the cabin across downtown Columbus and the Scioto River before leveling out over the Ohio farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline, Scioto River, Ohio State University area, surrounding farmland grid.
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. On the common southwest-to-northeast approach into runway 04, the aircraft tracks up past Staten Island and Brooklyn with Manhattan's skyline sitting off the left side just before touchdown at LGA. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Brooklyn waterfront, Rikers Island near the final approach path.
How long is the flight from Columbus to New York?
The flight from Port Columbus International (CMH) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 477 miles (768 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Columbus to New York flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Allegheny Plateau and Ridge-and-Valley Province of Pennsylvania, passing near the Susquehanna River and the forested ridgelines of the Pocono Mountains before descending toward the New York metropolitan area.