Memphis to New York is 961 miles (1,547 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The right side wins on both ends of the flight — the Memphis skyline and Mississippi River during departure, and the Manhattan skyline during the LaGuardia approach — while the cruise portion over Tennessee, Virginia, and Pennsylvania is largely flat farmland and rolling hills with only modest Appalachian relief visible from either side.
Flight Path
Rolling hills and ridgelines of the Cumberland Plateau and Blue Ridge Mountains across eastern Tennessee and Virginia, followed by the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont farmland of Virginia and Maryland before descending toward the New York metropolitan area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEM
RIGHTDeparting MEM northbound before banking east toward New York, the right-side window catches downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River sweeping past as the aircraft rolls into its turn. The rest of the climb is over flat Tennessee farmland with little else notable.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTOn the approach into LaGuardia, arrivals typically swing over Long Island Sound and the Bronx before lining up for landing, putting the Manhattan skyline and East River clearly on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach views in North America.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Memphis International (MEM) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Memphis to New York. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — the Memphis skyline and Mississippi River during departure, and the Manhattan skyline during the LaGuardia approach — while the cruise portion over Tennessee, Virginia, and Pennsylvania is largely flat farmland and rolling hills with only modest Appalachian relief visible from either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Memphis International in Memphis?
During takeoff from Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MEM northbound before banking east toward New York, the right-side window catches downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River sweeping past as the aircraft rolls into its turn. The rest of the climb is over flat Tennessee farmland with little else notable. Notable sights include: Downtown Memphis skyline, Mississippi River, Hernando de Soto Bridge, Memphis Pyramid.
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 approach into LaGuardia, arrivals typically swing over Long Island Sound and the Bronx before lining up for landing, putting the Manhattan skyline and East River clearly on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach views in North America. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Rikers Island, Flushing Bay.
How long is the flight from Memphis to New York?
The flight from Memphis International (MEM) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 961 miles (1,547 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Memphis to New York flight path pass over?
Rolling hills and ridgelines of the Cumberland Plateau and Blue Ridge Mountains across eastern Tennessee and Virginia, followed by the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont farmland of Virginia and Maryland before descending toward the New York metropolitan area.