With roughly nine hours of open South Atlantic Ocean dominating the cruise phase, the flight's scenic value comes almost entirely from the takeoff and landing bookends; the São Paulo skyline departure edges out the flatter Highveld arrival for visual drama.
Flown GRU to JNB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sao Paulo to Johannesburg is 4,622 miles (7,439 km), a flight of about 9 hours 20 minutes.
Open South Atlantic Ocean with no landmarks visible for most of the crossing until the Namibian/South African coastline near the Orange River mouth comes into view before the final descent into the interior plateau.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from GRU
LEFTDeparting GRU to the east/southeast, the left side gives passengers a good look back at the São Paulo skyline and the forested ridges of the Serra da Cantareira before the aircraft turns out over the coast toward the South Atlantic.
Landing at JNB
RIGHTOn the descent into JNB, the final approach tracks over the Highveld plateau, giving the right-side passengers views of Johannesburg's mine dumps, the CBD skyline, and the mining belt south of the city before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guarulhos (GRU) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg. With roughly nine hours of open South Atlantic Ocean dominating the cruise phase, the flight's scenic value comes almost entirely from the takeoff and landing bookends; the São Paulo skyline departure edges out the flatter Highveld arrival for visual drama.
What can I see during takeoff from Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing GRU to the east/southeast, the left side gives passengers a good look back at the São Paulo skyline and the forested ridges of the Serra da Cantareira before the aircraft turns out over the coast toward the South Atlantic. Notable sights include: São Paulo skyline, Serra da Cantareira hills, Tietê river valley, Santos coastline in the distance.
What can I see when landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
When landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into JNB, the final approach tracks over the Highveld plateau, giving the right-side passengers views of Johannesburg's mine dumps, the CBD skyline, and the mining belt south of the city before touchdown. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline, gold mine tailings dumps, Highveld grassland plateau, Ekurhuleni industrial belt.
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg?
The flight from Guarulhos (GRU) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 9 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,622 miles (7,439 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sao Paulo to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Open South Atlantic Ocean with no landmarks visible for most of the crossing until the Namibian/South African coastline near the Orange River mouth comes into view before the final descent into the interior plateau.