While the right side wins at takeoff with the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay, the left side delivers the iconic Paris approach over the Seine and central landmarks, which is the more memorable visual payoff. Over the Atlantic crossing itself, neither side has a meaningful advantage, so the landing view is the deciding factor.
Flown MIA to LBG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Miami to Paris is 4,576 miles (7,364 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northeast over the Bahamas, then crosses the North Atlantic roughly parallel to the 40th parallel, passing south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks. Mid-ocean the flight crosses the MNPS North Atlantic Track system. Approaching Europe it crosses over southern Ireland or Cornwall, then the English Channel before descending into northern France. On clear days the Irish and English coastlines are visible during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MIA
RIGHTMIA typically departs eastbound on runway 09 or northeast on 12, meaning the right side faces south over Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys chain, and the turquoise shallow waters of the Florida Straits. The left side gets the urban sprawl of Miami and the Everglades, which is less visually striking at departure.
Landing at LBG
LEFTLe Bourget typically uses runway 25 for westbound arrivals, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east. The left side faces south over central Paris, giving clear views of the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame island, and the dense Haussmann grid of the city. The right side looks north over the flat suburban and industrial zones of Seine-Saint-Denis.
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 Miami International (MIA) to Le Bourget (LBG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Paris. While the right side wins at takeoff with the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay, the left side delivers the iconic Paris approach over the Seine and central landmarks, which is the more memorable visual payoff. Over the Atlantic crossing itself, neither side has a meaningful advantage, so the landing view is the deciding factor.
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 eastbound on runway 09 or northeast on 12, meaning the right side faces south over Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys chain, and the turquoise shallow waters of the Florida Straits. The left side gets the urban sprawl of Miami and the Everglades, which is less visually striking at departure. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys arc stretching southwest, Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, the Port of Miami cruise terminals.
What can I see when landing at Le Bourget in Paris?
When landing at Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Le Bourget typically uses runway 25 for westbound arrivals, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east. The left side faces south over central Paris, giving clear views of the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame island, and the dense Haussmann grid of the city. The right side looks north over the flat suburban and industrial zones of Seine-Saint-Denis. Notable sights include: Seine River bends through central Paris, Eiffel Tower, the Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame, the dense Haussmann boulevard grid of central arrondissements.
How long is the flight from Miami to Paris?
The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Le Bourget (LBG) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,576 miles (7,364 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Miami to Paris flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over the Bahamas, then crosses the North Atlantic roughly parallel to the 40th parallel, passing south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks. Mid-ocean the flight crosses the MNPS North Atlantic Track system. Approaching Europe it crosses over southern Ireland or Cornwall, then the English Channel before descending into northern France. On clear days the Irish and English coastlines are visible during descent.