While takeoff offers compelling Manhattan views from the left, the landing approach from the right provides the more geographically distinctive experience—the two-lake framing of Madison's isthmus is a unique and recognizable feature visible nowhere else on this route.
Flown LGA to MSN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Madison is 810 miles (1,303 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central New York and Pennsylvania, passing over the Appalachian plateau. Notable features include the Finger Lakes region (visible as elongated water bodies if flying over central New York), the Susquehanna River valley, and the transition from forested Appalachia into the agricultural landscape of Ohio and Indiana. Lake Erie may be visible on the northern horizon during cruise if the flight path tracks northwest. The landscape gradually flattens from Pennsylvania into the Midwest, with increasing agricultural patchwork visible as the aircraft approaches Wisconsin.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLGA typically departs runways 04 or 13 (northeast/north headings). Left seats face toward Manhattan and the Hudson River during initial climb, offering views of the East River, Roosevelt Island, and the Manhattan skyline receding beneath the aircraft.
Landing at MSN
RIGHTMSN approaches from the east on runways 01 or 19 (north/south headings). Right seats during descent offer views of the Dane County landscape, including the distinctive lakes surrounding Madison—Lake Mendota to the north and Lake Monona to the southeast—which frame the city's isthmus geography.
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 Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Madison. While takeoff offers compelling Manhattan views from the left, the landing approach from the right provides the more geographically distinctive experience—the two-lake framing of Madison's isthmus is a unique and recognizable feature visible nowhere else on this route.
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 typically departs runways 04 or 13 (northeast/north headings). Left seats face toward Manhattan and the Hudson River during initial climb, offering views of the East River, Roosevelt Island, and the Manhattan skyline receding beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: East River, Roosevelt Island, Manhattan skyline, Queensboro Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld in Madison?
When landing at Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. MSN approaches from the east on runways 01 or 19 (north/south headings). Right seats during descent offer views of the Dane County landscape, including the distinctive lakes surrounding Madison—Lake Mendota to the north and Lake Monona to the southeast—which frame the city's isthmus geography. Notable sights include: Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Madison isthmus, Dane County farmland.
How long is the flight from New York to Madison?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 810 miles (1,303 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Madison flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central New York and Pennsylvania, passing over the Appalachian plateau. Notable features include the Finger Lakes region (visible as elongated water bodies if flying over central New York), the Susquehanna River valley, and the transition from forested Appalachia into the agricultural landscape of Ohio and Indiana. Lake Erie may be visible on the northern horizon during cruise if the flight path tracks northwest. The landscape gradually flattens from Pennsylvania into the Midwest, with increasing agricultural patchwork visible as the aircraft approaches Wisconsin.