While left offers good takeoff views of Manhattan, right seats dominate the flight overall due to superior landing scenery. The approach to Buffalo provides dramatic views of the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the escarpment—more visually distinctive than the takeoff corridor.
Flown LGA to BUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Buffalo is 291 miles (469 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight path northwest from LGA crosses the Hudson River valley, passes over the Catskill Mountains region (visible as low ridges and forested terrain in the distance), and follows a corridor over central New York's rolling farmland and small towns. Lake Seneca (one of the Finger Lakes) may be visible on clear days as you approach Buffalo from the south. The terrain transitions from dense urban/suburban to increasingly rural and agricultural as you move northwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLeft seats offer views of Manhattan and the East River as you climb northwest out of LGA. You'll see the Manhattan skyline receding, the Harlem River, and the Bronx spreading out below.
Landing at BUF
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during descent into Buffalo. You'll see the Niagara River, Lake Ontario shoreline, and the Niagara Escarpment as you approach from the southwest.
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 La Guardia (LGA) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Buffalo. While left offers good takeoff views of Manhattan, right seats dominate the flight overall due to superior landing scenery. The approach to Buffalo provides dramatic views of the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the escarpment—more visually distinctive than the takeoff corridor.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of Manhattan and the East River as you climb northwest out of LGA. You'll see the Manhattan skyline receding, the Harlem River, and the Bronx spreading out below. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Harlem River, Bronx urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
When landing at Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during descent into Buffalo. You'll see the Niagara River, Lake Ontario shoreline, and the Niagara Escarpment as you approach from the southwest. Notable sights include: Niagara River, Lake Ontario, Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Falls area.
How long is the flight from New York to Buffalo?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 291 miles (469 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Buffalo flight path pass over?
The flight path northwest from LGA crosses the Hudson River valley, passes over the Catskill Mountains region (visible as low ridges and forested terrain in the distance), and follows a corridor over central New York's rolling farmland and small towns. Lake Seneca (one of the Finger Lakes) may be visible on clear days as you approach Buffalo from the south. The terrain transitions from dense urban/suburban to increasingly rural and agricultural as you move northwest.