The right side wins overall due to the spectacular Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay departure sequence, which is one of the most visually striking urban coastal departures in the Americas. The landing views on the left are good but the Río de la Plata is featureless brown water. The right side also tracks the Atlantic coastline of South America — Brazil's coast, the mouth of the Amazon plume, and the Rio de la Plata approach — during the long overwater cruise.
Flown MIA to MVD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Miami to Montevideo is 4,480 miles (7,210 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks southeast over Cuba and the Caribbean, then crosses the northeastern coast of South America near Suriname or French Guiana. The Amazon River mouth and its massive sediment plume into the Atlantic are visible in the midpoint region. The flight then follows the Brazilian coastline south past Recife, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro (distant), and São Paulo before crossing into Uruguay. The Atlantic is the dominant feature for most of the cruise, with the Brazilian coast occasionally visible on the right side as a low green landmass.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MIA
RIGHTMIA typically departs east on runway 08R/09, then turns south over Biscayne Bay. The right side gives you the Miami Beach barrier island, the turquoise shallows of Biscayne Bay, and the Florida Keys chain stretching southwest. The left side faces inland toward the flat Everglades.
Landing at MVD
LEFTCarrasco International sits east of Montevideo, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast on runway 19/20, flying over the Río de la Plata estuary before touching down. The left side faces west toward Montevideo's city center, the broad brown Río de la Plata, and the distant Argentine shore on the horizon. The right side looks out over flat suburban sprawl and the Atlantic coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Miami International (MIA) to Carrasco International (MVD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Montevideo. The right side wins overall due to the spectacular Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay departure sequence, which is one of the most visually striking urban coastal departures in the Americas. The landing views on the left are good but the Río de la Plata is featureless brown water. The right side also tracks the Atlantic coastline of South America — Brazil's coast, the mouth of the Amazon plume, and the Rio de la Plata approach — during the long overwater cruise.
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, then turns south over Biscayne Bay. The right side gives you the Miami Beach barrier island, the turquoise shallows of Biscayne Bay, and the Florida Keys chain stretching southwest. The left side faces inland toward the flat Everglades. Notable sights include: Miami Beach and South Beach peninsula, Biscayne Bay turquoise shallows, Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, the Florida Keys chain beginning at Key Largo.
What can I see when landing at Carrasco International in Montevideo?
When landing at Carrasco International (MVD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Carrasco International sits east of Montevideo, and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast on runway 19/20, flying over the Río de la Plata estuary before touching down. The left side faces west toward Montevideo's city center, the broad brown Río de la Plata, and the distant Argentine shore on the horizon. The right side looks out over flat suburban sprawl and the Atlantic coast. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata estuary (widest river mouth in the world), Montevideo city center and harbor, Rambla coastal boulevard, Cerro de Montevideo hill with its fortress.
How long is the flight from Miami to Montevideo?
The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Carrasco International (MVD) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,480 miles (7,210 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Miami to Montevideo flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast over Cuba and the Caribbean, then crosses the northeastern coast of South America near Suriname or French Guiana. The Amazon River mouth and its massive sediment plume into the Atlantic are visible in the midpoint region. The flight then follows the Brazilian coastline south past Recife, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro (distant), and São Paulo before crossing into Uruguay. The Atlantic is the dominant feature for most of the cruise, with the Brazilian coast occasionally visible on the right side as a low green landmass.