The right side delivers the more visually rewarding experience overall. The departure view over Biscayne Bay and the Keys is genuinely spectacular, and during the cruise over the Straits of Florida you get continuous open water views. The landing view on the left is good but brief. Right side wins on total scenic value across the full short flight.
Flown MIA to HAV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Miami to Havana is 235 miles (379 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight crosses the Straits of Florida, a deep-water channel roughly 90 miles wide between the Florida Keys and Cuba. The water transitions from the turquoise shallows of the Florida reef tract to the deep blue of the Florida Current, a major branch of the Gulf Stream. No land is visible at cruise altitude during the crossing. The northern coast of Cuba's Pinar del Río province appears as a low green shoreline before descent into Havana.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MIA
RIGHTMIA typically departs east on runway 08R/09 or west on 26L/27. For westbound departures toward Havana, the right side gives you a clear view south over Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys chain stretching southwest, and the Atlantic coastline. The left side faces inland toward the Everglades with less visual drama during climb-out.
Landing at HAV
LEFTApproaching HAV from the northeast, aircraft typically descend over the Straits of Florida and line up on runway 06/24. On a northeast approach, the left side faces northwest toward Havana's harbor, the old city, and the coastline of the Malecón. The right side looks southeast over less distinctive rural terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Miami International (MIA) to Jose Marti International (HAV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Havana. The right side delivers the more visually rewarding experience overall. The departure view over Biscayne Bay and the Keys is genuinely spectacular, and during the cruise over the Straits of Florida you get continuous open water views. The landing view on the left is good but brief. Right side wins on total scenic value across the full short flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Miami International in Miami?
During takeoff from Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. MIA typically departs east on runway 08R/09 or west on 26L/27. For westbound departures toward Havana, the right side gives you a clear view south over Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys chain stretching southwest, and the Atlantic coastline. The left side faces inland toward the Everglades with less visual drama during climb-out. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay and its turquoise shallows, the Florida Keys chain extending southwest, Miami Beach barrier island and South Beach, Port of Miami cruise terminal complex.
What can I see when landing at Jose Marti International in Havana?
When landing at Jose Marti International (HAV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching HAV from the northeast, aircraft typically descend over the Straits of Florida and line up on runway 06/24. On a northeast approach, the left side faces northwest toward Havana's harbor, the old city, and the coastline of the Malecón. The right side looks southeast over less distinctive rural terrain. Notable sights include: Havana Harbor and its narrow entrance channel, Old Havana city grid along the waterfront, the Malecón coastal boulevard, Morro Castle fortification at the harbor mouth.
How long is the flight from Miami to Havana?
The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Jose Marti International (HAV) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 235 miles (379 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Miami to Havana flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Straits of Florida, a deep-water channel roughly 90 miles wide between the Florida Keys and Cuba. The water transitions from the turquoise shallows of the Florida reef tract to the deep blue of the Florida Current, a major branch of the Gulf Stream. No land is visible at cruise altitude during the crossing. The northern coast of Cuba's Pinar del Río province appears as a low green shoreline before descent into Havana.