While takeoff offers iconic New York views, the landing approach into Bilbao provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Cantabrian Mountains and Bay of Biscay coastline are visually striking and occupy a longer portion of the descent. Right side captures this better.
Flown EWR to BIO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Bilbao is 3,549 miles (5,711 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The transatlantic crossing passes over the Atlantic Ocean with no visible landmarks for roughly 5 hours. The flight path crosses the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visible at surface level) and approaches European airspace near Ireland and the UK. As the aircraft nears the Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees Mountains become visible on the horizon to the south, and the Bay of Biscay emerges as the aircraft descends into Spanish airspace. The Cantabrian Mountains dominate the final approach into Bilbao.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the New Jersey Palisades as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Newark. Right side faces inland toward New Jersey suburbs with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at BIO
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Basque Country coastline, the Bay of Biscay, and the Cantabrian Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Bilbao from the northwest. Left side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Bilbao (BIO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Bilbao. While takeoff offers iconic New York views, the landing approach into Bilbao provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Cantabrian Mountains and Bay of Biscay coastline are visually striking and occupy a longer portion of the descent. Right side captures this better.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the New Jersey Palisades as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Newark. Right side faces inland toward New Jersey suburbs with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, New Jersey Palisades, Upper New York Bay.
What can I see when landing at Bilbao in Bilbao?
When landing at Bilbao (BIO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Basque Country coastline, the Bay of Biscay, and the Cantabrian Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Bilbao from the northwest. Left side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Bay of Biscay coastline, Cantabrian Mountains, Nervión River estuary, Bilbao city.
How long is the flight from Newark to Bilbao?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Bilbao (BIO) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,549 miles (5,711 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Bilbao flight path pass over?
The transatlantic crossing passes over the Atlantic Ocean with no visible landmarks for roughly 5 hours. The flight path crosses the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visible at surface level) and approaches European airspace near Ireland and the UK. As the aircraft nears the Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees Mountains become visible on the horizon to the south, and the Bay of Biscay emerges as the aircraft descends into Spanish airspace. The Cantabrian Mountains dominate the final approach into Bilbao.