New York to Vancouver is 2,442 miles (3,930 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise at 35,000 feet, the left side also faces south over the Canadian Rockies on the typical great-circle routing, giving occasional views of the Rockies and Columbia River basin. Right side has limited distinguishing views at either airport.
Flight Path
The great-circle route from JFK to YVR tracks northwest over Ontario and the Great Lakes region, then across the Canadian prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, before crossing the Rocky Mountains and Columbia River valley in British Columbia. Notable features include Lake Ontario and Lake Erie early in the flight, the flat expanse of the Canadian Shield, the dramatic transition to the Rocky Mountain foothills over Alberta, and the Coast Range descent into Vancouver.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK primarily departs westbound on runway 31L/31R or eastbound on 22L/22R. On the dominant westbound departure (runway 31), a left-side seat gives you Manhattan's skyline as the aircraft banks north, with the Hudson River and New Jersey visible below. On eastbound departures, left side still captures Jamaica Bay and the Brooklyn waterfront before the turn.
Landing at YVR
LEFTYVR's primary arrival runways are 08L/08R (landing eastbound) or 26L/26R (landing westbound). On the common eastbound approach over the Strait of Georgia, left-side seats face south toward the Fraser River delta, Richmond, and the North Shore mountains rising behind Vancouver. On westbound approaches, left side captures the city of Vancouver and English Bay before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Vancouver. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise at 35,000 feet, the left side also faces south over the Canadian Rockies on the typical great-circle routing, giving occasional views of the Rockies and Columbia River basin. Right side has limited distinguishing views at either airport.
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. JFK primarily departs westbound on runway 31L/31R or eastbound on 22L/22R. On the dominant westbound departure (runway 31), a left-side seat gives you Manhattan's skyline as the aircraft banks north, with the Hudson River and New Jersey visible below. On eastbound departures, left side still captures Jamaica Bay and the Brooklyn waterfront before the turn. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Jamaica Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. YVR's primary arrival runways are 08L/08R (landing eastbound) or 26L/26R (landing westbound). On the common eastbound approach over the Strait of Georgia, left-side seats face south toward the Fraser River delta, Richmond, and the North Shore mountains rising behind Vancouver. On westbound approaches, left side captures the city of Vancouver and English Bay before touchdown. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Coast Range), Fraser River delta, Strait of Georgia, downtown Vancouver.
How long is the flight from New York to Vancouver?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,442 miles (3,930 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Vancouver flight path pass over?
The great-circle route from JFK to YVR tracks northwest over Ontario and the Great Lakes region, then across the Canadian prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, before crossing the Rocky Mountains and Columbia River valley in British Columbia. Notable features include Lake Ontario and Lake Erie early in the flight, the flat expanse of the Canadian Shield, the dramatic transition to the Rocky Mountain foothills over Alberta, and the Coast Range descent into Vancouver.