La Guardia to John F Kennedy International is 11 miles (17 km), a flight of about 25 minutes.
Left side delivers the best views at both ends of this short hop — Manhattan and the East River on departure, Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways on approach. The right side offers little beyond Queens residential sprawl for most of the flight.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses directly over the Queens urban grid at low altitude — Jamaica, Hollis, and Springfield Gardens neighborhoods. At peak altitude of roughly 5,000-8,000 feet, the entire Jamaica Bay system and the southern Brooklyn and Queens coastline are visible. On clear days the Atlantic Ocean shoreline from the Rockaways to Long Beach is visible to the south.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLGA's primary departure runway 04 sends aircraft northeast over Flushing Bay before turning southeast. The left side gets a direct view back over Manhattan's skyline and the East River as the aircraft banks. Right side faces Queens residential neighborhoods with little of interest.
Landing at JFK
LEFTJFK's most common arrival is runway 22L/22R, approaching from the northeast over Jamaica Bay. The left side looks directly over Jamaica Bay's open water and the Gateway National Recreation Area marshlands, with a clear view of the bay's distinctive geometry. Right side faces the dense residential grid of Howard Beach and South Queens.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to New York. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of this short hop — Manhattan and the East River on departure, Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways on approach. The right side offers little beyond Queens residential sprawl for most of the flight.
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. LGA's primary departure runway 04 sends aircraft northeast over Flushing Bay before turning southeast. The left side gets a direct view back over Manhattan's skyline and the East River as the aircraft banks. Right side faces Queens residential neighborhoods with little of interest. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Flushing Bay, Rikers Island.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK's most common arrival is runway 22L/22R, approaching from the northeast over Jamaica Bay. The left side looks directly over Jamaica Bay's open water and the Gateway National Recreation Area marshlands, with a clear view of the bay's distinctive geometry. Right side faces the dense residential grid of Howard Beach and South Queens. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay, Gateway National Recreation Area marshlands, Rockaway Peninsula, Atlantic Ocean.
How long is the flight from New York to New York?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 11 miles (17 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses directly over the Queens urban grid at low altitude — Jamaica, Hollis, and Springfield Gardens neighborhoods. At peak altitude of roughly 5,000-8,000 feet, the entire Jamaica Bay system and the southern Brooklyn and Queens coastline are visible. On clear days the Atlantic Ocean shoreline from the Rockaways to Long Beach is visible to the south.