While the Manhattan skyline gives the right side a strong opening moment, the left side's payoff on descent — Mount Hood rising over the Columbia River corridor — is the more dramatic and sustained scenic highlight of the flight, tipping the overall balance in its favor.
Flown EWR to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Portland is 2,427 miles (3,907 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania, the western end of Lake Erie, the upper Midwest plains of Wisconsin and Minnesota, the northern Great Plains of North and South Dakota, and the Rocky Mountain front in Montana before descending toward the Cascades near Portland.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
RIGHTDepartures from EWR on runway 22 typically bank south and then west, putting Manhattan's skyline and the Hudson River directly under the right-side windows for a brief but striking view before the turn toward the interior. The left side only shows flat New Jersey suburbs and marshland.
Landing at PDX
LEFTArrivals into PDX on runway 28 commonly track west along the Columbia River corridor, and Mount Hood's snow-capped cone sits just south of the flight path, clearly visible from the left side during the descent. The right side shows Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams, but they sit farther from the approach track and appear smaller and hazier.
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 Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Portland. While the Manhattan skyline gives the right side a strong opening moment, the left side's payoff on descent — Mount Hood rising over the Columbia River corridor — is the more dramatic and sustained scenic highlight of the flight, tipping the overall balance in its favor.
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 from EWR on runway 22 typically bank south and then west, putting Manhattan's skyline and the Hudson River directly under the right-side windows for a brief but striking view before the turn toward the interior. The left side only shows flat New Jersey suburbs and marshland. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Newark Bay, Staten Island.
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into PDX on runway 28 commonly track west along the Columbia River corridor, and Mount Hood's snow-capped cone sits just south of the flight path, clearly visible from the left side during the descent. The right side shows Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams, but they sit farther from the approach track and appear smaller and hazier. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Columbia River, Willamette Valley farmland, Cascade foothills.
How long is the flight from Newark to Portland?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,427 miles (3,907 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Portland flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania, the western end of Lake Erie, the upper Midwest plains of Wisconsin and Minnesota, the northern Great Plains of North and South Dakota, and the Rocky Mountain front in Montana before descending toward the Cascades near Portland.