Left side wins for the entire short flight. On departure from EWR you face Manhattan and the harbor, and on approach into LGA you again face Manhattan and the East River crossings. The right side faces inland New Jersey on departure and the less scenic northern Queens on approach.
Flown EWR to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to New York is 17 miles (27 km), a flight of about 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses directly over the Hudson River, the lower Manhattan skyline, and the East River. At cruise altitude of only 5,000-8,000 feet, you can clearly see the grid of Manhattan streets, Central Park, the bridges connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens, and the dense urban fabric of the outer boroughs below.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTEWR typically departs northeast on runway 22L/4R or uses runway 29 heading west then turning. On the common northeast departure, the left side faces Manhattan and the Hudson River directly. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Hudson, and Upper New York Bay as the aircraft climbs and banks toward LGA.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLGA approaches typically come in from the east or northeast over Flushing Bay, or from the south over Jamaica Bay. On the common approach from the northeast, the left side looks south over Queens and Manhattan. The final approach over Flushing Bay on runway 31 puts the left side facing the Manhattan skyline across the East River.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to New York. Left side wins for the entire short flight. On departure from EWR you face Manhattan and the harbor, and on approach into LGA you again face Manhattan and the East River crossings. The right side faces inland New Jersey on departure and the less scenic northern Queens on approach.
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 typically departs northeast on runway 22L/4R or uses runway 29 heading west then turning. On the common northeast departure, the left side faces Manhattan and the Hudson River directly. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Hudson, and Upper New York Bay as the aircraft climbs and banks toward LGA. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Upper New York Bay, Statue of Liberty, Hudson River.
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. LGA approaches typically come in from the east or northeast over Flushing Bay, or from the south over Jamaica Bay. On the common approach from the northeast, the left side looks south over Queens and Manhattan. The final approach over Flushing Bay on runway 31 puts the left side facing the Manhattan skyline across the East River. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline across the East River, Flushing Bay, Rikers Island, Queensboro Bridge.
How long is the flight from Newark to New York?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 17 miles (27 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses directly over the Hudson River, the lower Manhattan skyline, and the East River. At cruise altitude of only 5,000-8,000 feet, you can clearly see the grid of Manhattan streets, Central Park, the bridges connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens, and the dense urban fabric of the outer boroughs below.