New York to San Juan is 1,602 miles (2,578 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
While takeoff slightly favors the right with New York's bay and coastline, the left side wins overall because of its much stronger landing sequence into San Juan, featuring the city skyline, Old San Juan's fort, and lush coastal terrain — outweighing the brief harbor view on departure.
Flight Path
The route crosses open Atlantic Ocean for most of the flight, passing east of the Bahamas and north of the Turks and Caicos before making landfall at Puerto Rico's north coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTDeparting JFK to the south/southeast, the right side gets the initial views over Jamaica Bay, the Rockaway Peninsula, and the Atlantic coastline before the route heads out over open ocean. The left side mostly sees Queens/Brooklyn rooftops receding quickly.
Landing at SJU
LEFTFlights into SJU typically approach from the north or east over the Atlantic, and the left side offers views of Puerto Rico's north coast, the El Yunque foothills, and San Juan's coastal skyline just before touchdown. The right side stays over open ocean until very late in the approach.
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 Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to San Juan. While takeoff slightly favors the right with New York's bay and coastline, the left side wins overall because of its much stronger landing sequence into San Juan, featuring the city skyline, Old San Juan's fort, and lush coastal terrain — outweighing the brief harbor view on departure.
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 Right side for the best views. Departing JFK to the south/southeast, the right side gets the initial views over Jamaica Bay, the Rockaway Peninsula, and the Atlantic coastline before the route heads out over open ocean. The left side mostly sees Queens/Brooklyn rooftops receding quickly. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Atlantic shoreline, Long Island coast.
What can I see when landing at Luis Munoz Marin International in San Juan?
When landing at Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Flights into SJU typically approach from the north or east over the Atlantic, and the left side offers views of Puerto Rico's north coast, the El Yunque foothills, and San Juan's coastal skyline just before touchdown. The right side stays over open ocean until very late in the approach. Notable sights include: San Juan Bay and Old San Juan, El Yunque foothills, north coast beaches, Isla Verde shoreline.
How long is the flight from New York to San Juan?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,602 miles (2,578 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to San Juan flight path pass over?
The route crosses open Atlantic Ocean for most of the flight, passing east of the Bahamas and north of the Turks and Caicos before making landfall at Puerto Rico's north coast.