The right side wins overall. The volcanic scenery on departure from Costa Rica is genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but on approach to CDG the left side has the Paris advantage. Since the departure scenery is more dramatic and unique, right edges it out for the full journey.
Flown SJO to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Jose to Paris is 5,552 miles (8,936 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
After departing Costa Rica the route tracks northeast over the Caribbean Sea and Cuba, then crosses the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores archipelago may be visible in the mid-Atlantic if routing passes nearby. The flight crosses the Iberian Peninsula or Bay of Biscay depending on routing, then enters France from the southwest or west before descending toward Paris.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJO
RIGHTSJO's primary departure runway is 07, heading east-northeast. A right/south-facing seat gives you the Talamanca mountain range and Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes as the plane climbs out over the Central Valley. These are the most dramatic features near San José and are clearly visible on the right side during the eastward climb.
Landing at CDG
LEFTCDG typically uses runways 26L/26R or 27L/27R for westerly landings, meaning the approach comes from the east. A left/south-facing seat on final approach gives views over central Paris — the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann grid — as the aircraft descends over the northeastern suburbs. Right side faces north toward flat Picardy farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose to Paris. The right side wins overall. The volcanic scenery on departure from Costa Rica is genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but on approach to CDG the left side has the Paris advantage. Since the departure scenery is more dramatic and unique, right edges it out for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Juan Santamaria International in San Jose?
During takeoff from Juan Santamaria International (SJO), sit on the Right side for the best views. SJO's primary departure runway is 07, heading east-northeast. A right/south-facing seat gives you the Talamanca mountain range and Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes as the plane climbs out over the Central Valley. These are the most dramatic features near San José and are clearly visible on the right side during the eastward climb. Notable sights include: Irazú Volcano (3,432m), Turrialba Volcano, Talamanca mountain range, Central Valley urban sprawl of San José.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically uses runways 26L/26R or 27L/27R for westerly landings, meaning the approach comes from the east. A left/south-facing seat on final approach gives views over central Paris — the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann grid — as the aircraft descends over the northeastern suburbs. Right side faces north toward flat Picardy farmland. Notable sights include: Seine River bends through Paris, Eiffel Tower, La Défense business district tower cluster, Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
How long is the flight from San Jose to Paris?
The flight from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,552 miles (8,936 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Jose to Paris flight path pass over?
After departing Costa Rica the route tracks northeast over the Caribbean Sea and Cuba, then crosses the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores archipelago may be visible in the mid-Atlantic if routing passes nearby. The flight crosses the Iberian Peninsula or Bay of Biscay depending on routing, then enters France from the southwest or west before descending toward Paris.