New York to Montreal is 334 miles (537 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
While left offers better takeoff views of New York, right provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during descent. The St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains, and Montreal approach are more visually distinctive than the relatively flat terrain visible from the left during cruise.
Flight Path
During cruise, you'll pass over the Hudson Valley (visible to the left), then transition over the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain region. The Adirondacks appear as a forested mountain range with visible peaks and valleys. Lake Champlain sits between the Adirondacks (to the west/left) and the Green Mountains of Vermont (to the east/right). As you approach Montreal, the landscape flattens into the St. Lawrence Valley agricultural plains before reaching the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains north of the city.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft side offers views of the East River, Manhattan skyline, and the initial climb northwestward over the Bronx and Westchester County. You'll see the urban grid transition to suburban and forested terrain as you gain altitude.
Landing at YUL
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the descent into Montreal. You'll see the St. Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains to the north, and the approach over the Montreal metropolitan area and surrounding farmland.
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 Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Montreal. While left offers better takeoff views of New York, right provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during descent. The St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains, and Montreal approach are more visually distinctive than the relatively flat terrain visible from the left during cruise.
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 side offers views of the East River, Manhattan skyline, and the initial climb northwestward over the Bronx and Westchester County. You'll see the urban grid transition to suburban and forested terrain as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: East River and Manhattan skyline, Bronx and Westchester County residential areas, Hudson River valley to the northwest, initial views of the Appalachian foothills.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during the descent into Montreal. You'll see the St. Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains to the north, and the approach over the Montreal metropolitan area and surrounding farmland. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains (Laurentides), Montreal metropolitan area and downtown core, agricultural plains of the St. Lawrence Valley.
How long is the flight from New York to Montreal?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 334 miles (537 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Montreal flight path pass over?
During cruise, you'll pass over the Hudson Valley (visible to the left), then transition over the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain region. The Adirondacks appear as a forested mountain range with visible peaks and valleys. Lake Champlain sits between the Adirondacks (to the west/left) and the Green Mountains of Vermont (to the east/right). As you approach Montreal, the landscape flattens into the St. Lawrence Valley agricultural plains before reaching the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains north of the city.