John F Kennedy International to La Guardia is 11 miles (17 km), a flight of about 30 minutes.
The left side offers consistent views of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Jamaica Bay coastline during both takeoff and landing, while the right side shows only flat, repetitive borough rooftops with no distinctive landmarks.
Flight Path
Given the extremely short distance, this flight barely reaches cruise altitude; the route passes over Jamaica Bay, Queens rooftops, the East River, and skirts the edge of the Manhattan skyline before descending toward LaGuardia.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTDeparting JFK toward LGA, the aircraft banks northwest over Jamaica Bay, putting the Manhattan skyline and the East River into view on the left side almost immediately after liftoff. The right side only shows flat Queens rooftops and Long Island suburbs.
Landing at LGA
LEFTOn approach into LGA, aircraft typically loop over the East River or Long Island Sound before turning final, keeping Manhattan and Rikers Island visible on the left during the descent and turn. The right side shows only the flatter residential sprawl of the Bronx and Queens.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to New York. The left side offers consistent views of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Jamaica Bay coastline during both takeoff and landing, while the right side shows only flat, repetitive borough rooftops with no distinctive landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing JFK toward LGA, the aircraft banks northwest over Jamaica Bay, putting the Manhattan skyline and the East River into view on the left side almost immediately after liftoff. The right side only shows flat Queens rooftops and Long Island suburbs. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay, Manhattan skyline, East River, Rikers Island.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into LGA, aircraft typically loop over the East River or Long Island Sound before turning final, keeping Manhattan and Rikers Island visible on the left during the descent and turn. The right side shows only the flatter residential sprawl of the Bronx and Queens. Notable sights include: Rikers Island, East River, Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound.
How long is the flight from New York to New York?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 11 miles (17 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to New York flight path pass over?
Given the extremely short distance, this flight barely reaches cruise altitude; the route passes over Jamaica Bay, Queens rooftops, the East River, and skirts the edge of the Manhattan skyline before descending toward LaGuardia.