While the right side wins at departure with São Paulo views, the left side delivers the iconic Manhattan approach at arrival, plus over the Caribbean and along the US East Coast you get Atlantic coastline views. The Manhattan approach on the left is one of the best urban arrival views in the world and tips the balance.
Flight Path
The flight tracks north-northeast from São Paulo, crossing the Brazilian highlands and then the Amazon basin's southern fringe near the cerrado-forest transition zone. Over the Caribbean, the Lesser Antilles island chain may be visible depending on exact routing, with islands like Barbados or Martinique potentially visible on clear days. The flight then crosses the Greater Antilles region near Hispaniola and Cuba before entering US airspace over Florida or the Bahamas, tracking up the US East Coast with the Atlantic to the right and the coastal plain to the left.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GRU
RIGHTGRU typically departs on runways 09R/27L or 10/28, and heading northeast toward the Atlantic, the right side gives you a clear view over metropolitan São Paulo sprawling across the plateau, with the Serra da Cantareira hills visible to the north. The Tietê River valley and the dense urban grid of the city center are clearly visible before you climb out over the highlands.
Landing at EWR
LEFTEWR approaches typically come in from the south or southeast on runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R. On the standard approach from the south, the left side gives you a direct view of Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty. This is one of the most iconic urban approach views in aviation.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guarulhos (GRU) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Newark. While the right side wins at departure with São Paulo views, the left side delivers the iconic Manhattan approach at arrival, plus over the Caribbean and along the US East Coast you get Atlantic coastline views. The Manhattan approach on the left is one of the best urban arrival views in the world and tips the balance.
What can I see during takeoff from Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. GRU typically departs on runways 09R/27L or 10/28, and heading northeast toward the Atlantic, the right side gives you a clear view over metropolitan São Paulo sprawling across the plateau, with the Serra da Cantareira hills visible to the north. The Tietê River valley and the dense urban grid of the city center are clearly visible before you climb out over the highlands. Notable sights include: São Paulo city center skyline to the southwest, Serra da Cantareira forested ridge to the north, Tietê River snaking through the urban fabric, Guarulhos urban area directly below.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR approaches typically come in from the south or southeast on runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R. On the standard approach from the south, the left side gives you a direct view of Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty. This is one of the most iconic urban approach views in aviation. Notable sights include: Lower Manhattan skyline including One World Trade Center, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, Newark Bay.
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Newark?
The flight from Guarulhos (GRU) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Sao Paulo to Newark flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north-northeast from São Paulo, crossing the Brazilian highlands and then the Amazon basin's southern fringe near the cerrado-forest transition zone. Over the Caribbean, the Lesser Antilles island chain may be visible depending on exact routing, with islands like Barbados or Martinique potentially visible on clear days. The flight then crosses the Greater Antilles region near Hispaniola and Cuba before entering US airspace over Florida or the Bahamas, tracking up the US East Coast with the Atlantic to the right and the coastal plain to the left.