The flight is extremely short — under 15 minutes — so the landing view carries the most weight. The right side delivers the dramatic Biscayne Bay and Miami skyline approach, which is more visually rewarding than the Fort Lauderdale coastal view on takeoff. If you can only pick one side, right gives you the better payoff on arrival.
Flown FLL to MIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Fort Lauderdale to Miami is 21 miles (34 km), a flight of about 20 minutes.
The flight path runs almost entirely over the coastal flatlands of southern Broward and northern Miami-Dade counties. At cruise altitude of roughly 5,000-8,000 feet, you can see the continuous Atlantic coastline to the east, the Intracoastal Waterway running parallel to the coast, and the flat suburban grid of the Miami metro. Biscayne Bay becomes visible as you begin descent. There are no significant terrain features — South Florida is essentially at sea level throughout.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FLL
LEFTFLL typically departs runway 10R/28L or 10L/28R. On an eastward departure (runway 10), the aircraft turns south toward MIA, putting the left side over the Atlantic coastline, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the Intracoastal Waterway. The right side faces inland over suburban Broward County with little of interest.
Landing at MIA
RIGHTMIA's primary arrival from the north typically uses runway 09/27 or 12/30. Approaching from FLL to the north-northeast, aircraft descend over Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay before landing westward, putting the right side over downtown Miami's skyline, Brickell, and the bay. The left side faces west over suburban Miami-Dade with little visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) to Miami International (MIA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. The flight is extremely short — under 15 minutes — so the landing view carries the most weight. The right side delivers the dramatic Biscayne Bay and Miami skyline approach, which is more visually rewarding than the Fort Lauderdale coastal view on takeoff. If you can only pick one side, right gives you the better payoff on arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
During takeoff from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Left side for the best views. FLL typically departs runway 10R/28L or 10L/28R. On an eastward departure (runway 10), the aircraft turns south toward MIA, putting the left side over the Atlantic coastline, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the Intracoastal Waterway. The right side faces inland over suburban Broward County with little of interest. Notable sights include: Fort Lauderdale Beach barrier island, Port Everglades cruise terminal, Intracoastal Waterway, Hollywood Beach to the south.
What can I see when landing at Miami International in Miami?
When landing at Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. MIA's primary arrival from the north typically uses runway 09/27 or 12/30. Approaching from FLL to the north-northeast, aircraft descend over Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay before landing westward, putting the right side over downtown Miami's skyline, Brickell, and the bay. The left side faces west over suburban Miami-Dade with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami and Brickell skyline, Miami Beach barrier island, Port of Miami.
How long is the flight from Fort Lauderdale to Miami?
The flight from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) to Miami International (MIA) takes about 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 21 miles (34 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fort Lauderdale to Miami flight path pass over?
The flight path runs almost entirely over the coastal flatlands of southern Broward and northern Miami-Dade counties. At cruise altitude of roughly 5,000-8,000 feet, you can see the continuous Atlantic coastline to the east, the Intracoastal Waterway running parallel to the coast, and the flat suburban grid of the Miami metro. Biscayne Bay becomes visible as you begin descent. There are no significant terrain features — South Florida is essentially at sea level throughout.