The Andes arrival on the right side into Bogota is the visual highlight of this flight — the abrupt rise of the Eastern Cordillera from the high savanna is genuinely dramatic. The Houston departure on the left is interesting but the flat Gulf Coast terrain is less spectacular. Switch to right well before descent into Colombia.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Gulf of Mexico south of the Yucatan Peninsula, then passes over the Caribbean Sea. You'll see the Colombian coastline near Cartagena or Barranquilla depending on routing, then track inland over the lowland llanos of northern Colombia before the dramatic climb in terrain as the Andes come into view on descent toward Bogota.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTIAH typically departs south on runways 15L/15R or north on 33L/33R. On a southbound departure toward Bogota, the left side gives you a view over downtown Houston's skyline to the southwest, while the right side faces east toward open suburban sprawl and Galveston Bay. Left-side passengers get the more interesting urban geometry.
Landing at BOG
RIGHTEl Dorado airport sits on the Bogota savanna at 8,360 feet elevation. Aircraft typically approach from the north or east, landing on runway 13R/13L heading southeast. On this approach, the right side faces east and south toward the dramatic wall of the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes rising sharply above the savanna, with Monserrate and Guadalupe peaks clearly visible above the city.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Eldorado International (BOG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Bogota. The Andes arrival on the right side into Bogota is the visual highlight of this flight — the abrupt rise of the Eastern Cordillera from the high savanna is genuinely dramatic. The Houston departure on the left is interesting but the flat Gulf Coast terrain is less spectacular. Switch to right well before descent into Colombia.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH typically departs south on runways 15L/15R or north on 33L/33R. On a southbound departure toward Bogota, the left side gives you a view over downtown Houston's skyline to the southwest, while the right side faces east toward open suburban sprawl and Galveston Bay. Left-side passengers get the more interesting urban geometry. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou corridor, Hobby Airport (visible to the south), Lake Houston to the east receding behind you.
What can I see when landing at Eldorado International in Bogota?
When landing at Eldorado International (BOG), sit on the Right side for the best views. El Dorado airport sits on the Bogota savanna at 8,360 feet elevation. Aircraft typically approach from the north or east, landing on runway 13R/13L heading southeast. On this approach, the right side faces east and south toward the dramatic wall of the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes rising sharply above the savanna, with Monserrate and Guadalupe peaks clearly visible above the city. Notable sights include: Eastern Cordillera (Andes), Cerro Monserrate and Cerro Guadalupe above Bogota, the flat Sabana de Bogota agricultural plain, Bogota urban grid spreading across the savanna floor.
How long is the flight from Houston to Bogota?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Eldorado International (BOG) takes Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.
What does the Houston to Bogota flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Gulf of Mexico south of the Yucatan Peninsula, then passes over the Caribbean Sea. You'll see the Colombian coastline near Cartagena or Barranquilla depending on routing, then track inland over the lowland llanos of northern Colombia before the dramatic climb in terrain as the Andes come into view on descent toward Bogota.