The Cape Town arrival on the right side is the single most spectacular moment of this flight — Table Mountain from the air is one of the most recognizable landforms on earth. The right side also catches the West African coastline during the southbound leg over the Atlantic. The Manhattan departure view on the left is excellent but shorter-lived.
Flight Path
The flight tracks southeast over the North Atlantic, crossing the equator roughly over the Gulf of Guinea near the coast of Ghana or Ivory Coast. It then passes over the South Atlantic, with no significant landmasses until the South African coast. The Sahara Desert and West African coastline may be visible distantly on the right side during the southbound leg. The ITCZ cloud band near the equator is a common visual feature. The flight largely avoids continental Africa, staying over open ocean for the majority of the route.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTEWR departures on runway 22L/22R head southwest, putting Manhattan and the Hudson River on the left side. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Upper New York Bay before the aircraft turns southeast over the Atlantic.
Landing at CPT
RIGHTCape Town International sits northeast of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 01/19. A right-side seat gives you Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the Atlantic coastline as you descend. The left side faces inland toward the Cape Flats and the Hottentots Holland mountains.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Cape Town International (CPT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Cape Town. The Cape Town arrival on the right side is the single most spectacular moment of this flight — Table Mountain from the air is one of the most recognizable landforms on earth. The right side also catches the West African coastline during the southbound leg over the Atlantic. The Manhattan departure view on the left is excellent but shorter-lived.
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. EWR departures on runway 22L/22R head southwest, putting Manhattan and the Hudson River on the left side. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Upper New York Bay before the aircraft turns southeast over the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty in Upper New York Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Cape Town International in Cape Town?
When landing at Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Cape Town International sits northeast of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 01/19. A right-side seat gives you Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the Atlantic coastline as you descend. The left side faces inland toward the Cape Flats and the Hottentots Holland mountains. Notable sights include: Table Mountain and its flat-topped silhouette, Cape Peninsula coastline, False Bay, Devil's Peak and Lion's Head flanking Table Mountain.
How long is the flight from Newark to Cape Town?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes Approximately 14 to 15 hours nonstop.
What does the Newark to Cape Town flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over the North Atlantic, crossing the equator roughly over the Gulf of Guinea near the coast of Ghana or Ivory Coast. It then passes over the South Atlantic, with no significant landmasses until the South African coast. The Sahara Desert and West African coastline may be visible distantly on the right side during the southbound leg. The ITCZ cloud band near the equator is a common visual feature. The flight largely avoids continental Africa, staying over open ocean for the majority of the route.