Right-side seats offer superior scenery on both legs: the Panama City harbor and Canal infrastructure during departure, and the Caribbean coastline with Margarita Island and the dramatic Avila range during arrival. Left-side views are dominated by inland jungle and interior mountains with fewer recognizable landmarks. The right side captures the most distinctive geographic and urban features of both airports.
Flown PTY to CCS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Panama City to Caracas is 850 miles (1,368 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Caribbean Sea crossing with scattered islands and cays, the Yucatan Channel region to the north, Venezuelan coastal archipelago including Los Roques islands visible to the south on clear days
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PTY
RIGHTRight-side departures from PTY typically rotate northeast on runway 03, climbing over Panama City's urban sprawl and the Panama Canal approach channels. Left-side departures see inland jungle and hills with less immediate landmark density.
Landing at CCS
RIGHTRight-side arrivals into CCS typically descend from the north over the Caribbean, passing over the Margarita Island region and the Venezuelan coast before turning southwest for final approach. Left-side arrivals see interior mountains and less distinctive coastal features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to Simon Bolivar International (CCS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Caracas. Right-side seats offer superior scenery on both legs: the Panama City harbor and Canal infrastructure during departure, and the Caribbean coastline with Margarita Island and the dramatic Avila range during arrival. Left-side views are dominated by inland jungle and interior mountains with fewer recognizable landmarks. The right side captures the most distinctive geographic and urban features of both airports.
What can I see during takeoff from Tocumen International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Tocumen International (PTY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side departures from PTY typically rotate northeast on runway 03, climbing over Panama City's urban sprawl and the Panama Canal approach channels. Left-side departures see inland jungle and hills with less immediate landmark density. Notable sights include: Panama City skyline and harbor, Panama Canal approach locks and Gatun Lake visible in mid-distance, Caribbean coastline to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Simon Bolivar International in Caracas?
When landing at Simon Bolivar International (CCS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side arrivals into CCS typically descend from the north over the Caribbean, passing over the Margarita Island region and the Venezuelan coast before turning southwest for final approach. Left-side arrivals see interior mountains and less distinctive coastal features. Notable sights include: Caribbean Sea and Venezuelan coastline, Margarita Island (Isla de Margarita) to the northeast, Avila mountain range rising behind Caracas, coastal towns and harbors.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Caracas?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to Simon Bolivar International (CCS) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 850 miles (1,368 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Panama City to Caracas flight path pass over?
Caribbean Sea crossing with scattered islands and cays, the Yucatan Channel region to the north, Venezuelan coastal archipelago including Los Roques islands visible to the south on clear days