The left side captures the Washington DC skyline on departure, a long stretch of Atlantic coastline and Caribbean islands during cruise, and the Sao Paulo skyline on arrival—giving it more consistent and varied scenery than the ocean- and interior-facing right side.
Flown IAD to GRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Sao Paulo is 4,753 miles (7,649 km), a flight of about 9 hours 35 minutes.
Atlantic seaboard near the Carolinas and Florida, the Bahamas island chain, the Caribbean Sea, and the northern coastline of South America near Venezuela and Guyana before the route crosses into the Amazon basin and central Brazil.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
LEFTDeparting IAD southbound on runway 19, the initial climb and turn put the Potomac River and Washington DC skyline—including the Capitol dome and monuments—on the left side of the aircraft before the turn onto the southbound track.
Landing at GRU
LEFTOn approach into GRU from the north, the left side typically offers views of the sprawling Sao Paulo metropolitan skyline and the forested ridgelines of the Serra da Cantareira before the final turn onto the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Sao Paulo. The left side captures the Washington DC skyline on departure, a long stretch of Atlantic coastline and Caribbean islands during cruise, and the Sao Paulo skyline on arrival—giving it more consistent and varied scenery than the ocean- and interior-facing right side.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IAD southbound on runway 19, the initial climb and turn put the Potomac River and Washington DC skyline—including the Capitol dome and monuments—on the left side of the aircraft before the turn onto the southbound track. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC monuments and Capitol dome, Reagan National Airport, Chesapeake Bay in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into GRU from the north, the left side typically offers views of the sprawling Sao Paulo metropolitan skyline and the forested ridgelines of the Serra da Cantareira before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Sao Paulo skyline, Serra da Cantareira forested hills, Tiete River valley, Guarulhos suburban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Washington to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes about 9 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,753 miles (7,649 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
Atlantic seaboard near the Carolinas and Florida, the Bahamas island chain, the Caribbean Sea, and the northern coastline of South America near Venezuela and Guyana before the route crosses into the Amazon basin and central Brazil.