Right side scores higher due to superior landing approach scenery. While left offers a scenic coastal departure from Natal, the right side compensates with the dramatic Serra da Cantareira mountains and complex São Paulo metropolitan landscape during descent and approach—providing more visual variety and landmark density across the full flight. The cruise phase over interior Brazil is relatively flat on both sides, but the landing sequence into GRU significantly outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown NAT to GRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Natal to Sao Paulo is 1,426 miles (2,296 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
Borborema Plateau (interior Pernambuco/Paraíba), São Francisco River valley (distant to the west), transition from coastal lowlands to interior Brazilian plateau, scattered towns and agricultural areas across Pernambuco and Paraíba interior
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NAT
LEFTLeft side captures Natal's Atlantic coastline and the city's beachfront during initial climb. The coastal departure offers immediate visual interest with the contrast between urban development and ocean, plus views of Potengi River estuary.
Landing at GRU
RIGHTRight side provides superior approach scenery into GRU. The descent path over São Paulo's interior reveals the Serra da Cantareira mountains to the north and the sprawling metropolitan area with its distinctive urban landscape, reservoirs, and industrial zones. The approach into Guarulhos offers more varied terrain than the flat coastal descent into Natal.
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 Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Natal to Sao Paulo. Right side scores higher due to superior landing approach scenery. While left offers a scenic coastal departure from Natal, the right side compensates with the dramatic Serra da Cantareira mountains and complex São Paulo metropolitan landscape during descent and approach—providing more visual variety and landmark density across the full flight. The cruise phase over interior Brazil is relatively flat on both sides, but the landing sequence into GRU significantly outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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 Left side for the best views. Left side captures Natal's Atlantic coastline and the city's beachfront during initial climb. The coastal departure offers immediate visual interest with the contrast between urban development and ocean, plus views of Potengi River estuary. Notable sights include: Natal city waterfront, Potengi River estuary, Atlantic coastline, Genipabu dunes to the north.
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides superior approach scenery into GRU. The descent path over São Paulo's interior reveals the Serra da Cantareira mountains to the north and the sprawling metropolitan area with its distinctive urban landscape, reservoirs, and industrial zones. The approach into Guarulhos offers more varied terrain than the flat coastal descent into Natal. Notable sights include: Serra da Cantareira mountain range, Cantareira State Park, São Paulo metropolitan sprawl, Guarulhos industrial corridor.
How long is the flight from Natal to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,426 miles (2,296 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Natal to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
Borborema Plateau (interior Pernambuco/Paraíba), São Francisco River valley (distant to the west), transition from coastal lowlands to interior Brazilian plateau, scattered towns and agricultural areas across Pernambuco and Paraíba interior