LGA

Best window seat at La Guardia

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Manhattan skyline, East River, Hell Gate/RFK Triborough Bridge

LandingRIGHT

Manhattan skyline, RFK Bridge, Rikers Island

🛫 Taking Off from New York (LGA)

Best sideLeft
WhyDeparting northeast on runway 22 from LGA, the aircraft climbs out right along Flushing Bay and the East River corridor. Manhattan sits just southwest of the airport, so passengers on the left side get a great skyline view as the plane banks and climbs, with the Bronx and Long Island Sound also visible to the north.
Look forManhattan skyline, East River, Hell Gate/RFK Triborough Bridge, Bronx waterfront
Left window seat view during takeoff from New York (LGA) — Manhattan skyline, East River, Hell Gate/RFK Triborough Bridge, Bronx waterfrontLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from New York (LGA) — Manhattan skyline, East River, Hell Gate/RFK Triborough Bridge, Bronx waterfrontRight Side

🛬 Landing at New York (LGA)

Best sideRight
WhyOn the typical northeast-to-southwest arrival into LGA, the right side of the aircraft faces west toward the East River, giving passengers a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline, the RFK (Triborough) Bridge, and the Bronx as the plane descends over Rikers Island and Long Island Sound. The left side mostly looks out over Queens and Long Island with less distinctive scenery.
Look forManhattan skyline, RFK (Triborough) Bridge, Rikers Island, Hell Gate Bridge
Left window seat view during landing at New York (LGA) — Manhattan skyline, RFK (Triborough) Bridge, Rikers Island, Hell Gate BridgeLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at New York (LGA) — Manhattan skyline, RFK (Triborough) Bridge, Rikers Island, Hell Gate BridgeRight Side
New YorkPhoto: Ivana Rodriguez

LaGuardia is a major airport serving the NYC metro area with four terminals handling primarily domestic and some international flights. It's the closest major airport to Manhattan, located in Queens about 4 miles east of Midtown.

⛰️ Elevation23 ft
🛫 Runways2 (04/22, 13/31)
📍 NearbyJFK 11 miTEB 11 miEWR 17 miHPN 22 miISP 40 mi

Connecting at LGA?

Find out if your layover is long enough at La Guardia.

Check layover times →

About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at La Guardia (LGA)?

At La Guardia in New York: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Hell Gate/RFK Triborough Bridge, Bronx waterfront.

What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?

When taking off from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing northeast on runway 22 from LGA, the aircraft climbs out right along Flushing Bay and the East River corridor. Manhattan sits just southwest of the airport, so passengers on the left side get a great skyline view as the plane banks and climbs, with the Bronx and Long Island Sound also visible to the north. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Hell Gate/RFK Triborough Bridge, Bronx waterfront.

What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?

When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical northeast-to-southwest arrival into LGA, the right side of the aircraft faces west toward the East River, giving passengers a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline, the RFK (Triborough) Bridge, and the Bronx as the plane descends over Rikers Island and Long Island Sound. The left side mostly looks out over Queens and Long Island with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, RFK (Triborough) Bridge, Rikers Island, Hell Gate Bridge.

What factors affect the best window seat at La Guardia?

The best window seat at La Guardia (LGA) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around New York (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.