The right side wins narrowly because the Manhattan skyline view on departure is a more dramatic, higher-density landmark cluster than the brief Lake Erie glimpse on arrival, even though both sides get a distinct bookend view on this short, otherwise flat-terrain flight.
Flown EWR to BUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Buffalo is 282 miles (453 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Rolling Appalachian Plateau ridgelines of northeastern Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna River valley, with the northern Finger Lakes occasionally visible to the north as the route crosses into western New York.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
RIGHTDepartures off EWR's runway 4 climb out on a heading that puts the Manhattan skyline almost directly off the right wing, with the Hudson River and Newark Bay waterfront below. This is one of the classic EWR skyline views before the aircraft turns onto its westbound course toward Buffalo.
Landing at BUF
LEFTOn the southwest approach into runway 05, the final turn lines the aircraft up northeast toward the airport, putting downtown Buffalo and the Lake Erie shoreline off the left side of the plane during descent. It's a brief but distinct urban-and-water view right before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Buffalo. The right side wins narrowly because the Manhattan skyline view on departure is a more dramatic, higher-density landmark cluster than the brief Lake Erie glimpse on arrival, even though both sides get a distinct bookend view on this short, otherwise flat-terrain flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures off EWR's runway 4 climb out on a heading that puts the Manhattan skyline almost directly off the right wing, with the Hudson River and Newark Bay waterfront below. This is one of the classic EWR skyline views before the aircraft turns onto its westbound course toward Buffalo. Notable sights include: Lower and Midtown Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Newark Bay/Port Newark, Statue of Liberty area.
What can I see when landing at Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
When landing at Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the southwest approach into runway 05, the final turn lines the aircraft up northeast toward the airport, putting downtown Buffalo and the Lake Erie shoreline off the left side of the plane during descent. It's a brief but distinct urban-and-water view right before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, downtown Buffalo skyline, Niagara River outflow, Buffalo waterfront/harbor.
How long is the flight from Newark to Buffalo?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 282 miles (453 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Buffalo flight path pass over?
Rolling Appalachian Plateau ridgelines of northeastern Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna River valley, with the northern Finger Lakes occasionally visible to the north as the route crosses into western New York.