Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff from Rio offers exceptional coastal and bay views, and the northbound flight path along Brazil's coast means right-side passengers see the Atlantic Ocean and coastal features throughout most of the journey.
Flown SDU to SSA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rio De Janeiro to Salvador is 761 miles (1,224 km), a flight of about 2 hours.
The flight path follows the Brazilian coast northward. Notable features include the Paraíba do Sul River delta (visible around 30 minutes into flight), the transition from Rio's mountainous coastal terrain to the flatter Espírito Santo coastline, and the Abrolhos Archipelago area further north. The Recôncavo region's agricultural plains become visible as you approach Salvador, with the landscape gradually flattening from the Serra do Mar mountain range's influence near Rio to the low-lying coastal plains of Bahia.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SDU
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the dramatic departure from Rio's coastal geography. You'll see Guanabara Bay's distinctive shape and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northward out of Santos Dumont.
Landing at SSA
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best approach views into Salvador. The aircraft descends from the northeast over the Recôncavo region, and left seats face the Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay) and the city's peninsula geography as you approach Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhães airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Santos Dumont (SDU) to Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhaes (SSA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio De Janeiro to Salvador. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff from Rio offers exceptional coastal and bay views, and the northbound flight path along Brazil's coast means right-side passengers see the Atlantic Ocean and coastal features throughout most of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Santos Dumont in Rio De Janeiro?
During takeoff from Santos Dumont (SDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the dramatic departure from Rio's coastal geography. You'll see Guanabara Bay's distinctive shape and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northward out of Santos Dumont. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay (immediate view below), Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado peaks (west/left but visible), Atlantic Ocean coastline, Rio de Janeiro urban sprawl extending inland.
What can I see when landing at Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhaes in Salvador?
When landing at Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhaes (SSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best approach views into Salvador. The aircraft descends from the northeast over the Recôncavo region, and left seats face the Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay) and the city's peninsula geography as you approach Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhães airport. Notable sights include: Baía de Todos os Santos (massive bay with islands), Salvador's historic peninsula and waterfront, Recôncavo agricultural plains, Atlantic coastline.
How long is the flight from Rio De Janeiro to Salvador?
The flight from Santos Dumont (SDU) to Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhaes (SSA) takes about 2 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 761 miles (1,224 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rio De Janeiro to Salvador flight path pass over?
The flight path follows the Brazilian coast northward. Notable features include the Paraíba do Sul River delta (visible around 30 minutes into flight), the transition from Rio's mountainous coastal terrain to the flatter Espírito Santo coastline, and the Abrolhos Archipelago area further north. The Recôncavo region's agricultural plains become visible as you approach Salvador, with the landscape gradually flattening from the Serra do Mar mountain range's influence near Rio to the low-lying coastal plains of Bahia.