While the takeoff briefly favors the right side, the long cruise phase keeps the Brazilian coastline—including Salvador's bay and the Espírito Santo shoreline—visible on the left, and the dramatic Guanabara Bay approach into Rio strongly favors the left side, making it the better overall seat choice.
Flown NAT to GIG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Natal to Rio De Janeiro is 1,289 miles (2,075 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
The route tracks roughly parallel to Brazil's northeastern and southeastern coastline, passing near Salvador's Bay of All Saints, the Espírito Santo coast around Vitória, and the forested foothills of the Serra do Mar before descending toward Rio de Janeiro.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NAT
RIGHTDeparting runway 12 to the east, the aircraft climbs out over the Atlantic before banking south to join the coastal route. During that turn, passengers on the right get a brief but clear view of Natal's beaches, the Potengi River mouth, and the white dunes of Genipabu just north of the city.
Landing at GIG
LEFTOn approach into GIG, the flight path crosses Guanabara Bay before landing, giving passengers on the left a sweeping view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado, and the string of islands dotting the bay. This is one of the most recognizable urban-scenic approaches in South America.
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 Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Natal to Rio De Janeiro. While the takeoff briefly favors the right side, the long cruise phase keeps the Brazilian coastline—including Salvador's bay and the Espírito Santo shoreline—visible on the left, and the dramatic Guanabara Bay approach into Rio strongly favors the left side, making it the better overall seat choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport in Natal?
During takeoff from Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing runway 12 to the east, the aircraft climbs out over the Atlantic before banking south to join the coastal route. During that turn, passengers on the right get a brief but clear view of Natal's beaches, the Potengi River mouth, and the white dunes of Genipabu just north of the city. Notable sights include: Potengi River estuary, Natal city beaches, Genipabu sand dunes, Atlantic coastline.
What can I see when landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim in Rio De Janeiro?
When landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into GIG, the flight path crosses Guanabara Bay before landing, giving passengers on the left a sweeping view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado, and the string of islands dotting the bay. This is one of the most recognizable urban-scenic approaches in South America. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado/Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro skyline.
How long is the flight from Natal to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,289 miles (2,075 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Natal to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
The route tracks roughly parallel to Brazil's northeastern and southeastern coastline, passing near Salvador's Bay of All Saints, the Espírito Santo coast around Vitória, and the forested foothills of the Serra do Mar before descending toward Rio de Janeiro.