The takeoff from JFK over the Atlantic and Long Island Sound offers more visually distinctive scenery than the landing approach. While Moscow's urban core is impressive, the departure views of the New York coastline and open ocean provide clearer, more varied natural features.
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Flight Path
New York to Moscow is 4,648 miles (7,481 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet), passing over the Grand Banks southeast of Newfoundland, then over the open Atlantic with no visible landmarks for several hours. As the aircraft approaches European airspace, it passes over the British Isles (Scotland and northern England visible on clear days), then over the North Sea. The route then crosses continental Europe over Germany, Poland, and into western Russia, with the Vistula River valley and Eastern European plains visible during descent. The Ural Mountains are generally too far south of the typical flight corridor to be visible.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and Long Island Sound as the aircraft climbs out over water. Right seats face inland toward New Jersey and Pennsylvania with less distinctive scenery during initial climb.
Landing at SVO
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Moscow River, the Kremlin district, and central Moscow's urban landscape during the final approach. Left seats face toward the outer suburbs and industrial areas north of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Sheremetyevo (SVO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Moscow. The takeoff from JFK over the Atlantic and Long Island Sound offers more visually distinctive scenery than the landing approach. While Moscow's urban core is impressive, the departure views of the New York coastline and open ocean provide clearer, more varied natural features.
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. Left seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and Long Island Sound as the aircraft climbs out over water. Right seats face inland toward New Jersey and Pennsylvania with less distinctive scenery during initial climb. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, Manhattan skyline (receding), Outer Harbor shipping lanes.
What can I see when landing at Sheremetyevo in Moscow?
When landing at Sheremetyevo (SVO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Moscow River, the Kremlin district, and central Moscow's urban landscape during the final approach. Left seats face toward the outer suburbs and industrial areas north of the airport. Notable sights include: Moscow River, Kremlin and Red Square district, Luzhniki Stadium, central Moscow skyline.
How long is the flight from New York to Moscow?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Sheremetyevo (SVO) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,648 miles (7,481 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Moscow flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet), passing over the Grand Banks southeast of Newfoundland, then over the open Atlantic with no visible landmarks for several hours. As the aircraft approaches European airspace, it passes over the British Isles (Scotland and northern England visible on clear days), then over the North Sea. The route then crosses continental Europe over Germany, Poland, and into western Russia, with the Vistula River valley and Eastern European plains visible during descent. The Ural Mountains are generally too far south of the typical flight corridor to be visible.