Takeoff from Montreal offers more visually distinctive natural features (river and mountains) compared to the landing approach into São Paulo's urban basin. The climb-out over the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains provides superior scenic value.
Flown YUL to CGH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Sao Paulo is 5,069 miles (8,157 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible during climb-out over eastern North America), then traverses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 4 hours with no significant landmarks. Upon approaching South America, the Amazon Basin becomes visible as vast forested terrain, followed by the Brazilian Plateau and its river systems (including the Paraíba and Tietê rivers) as the aircraft descends toward São Paulo.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
LEFTLeft side seats face southwest on departure, offering views of the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs. Right-side seats point northeast toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at CGH
RIGHTRight-side seats face west-northwest on approach to Congonhas, providing views of the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains and the Paraíba River valley. Left-side seats see less distinctive terrain during descent into São Paulo's urban basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Congonhas (CGH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Sao Paulo. Takeoff from Montreal offers more visually distinctive natural features (river and mountains) compared to the landing approach into São Paulo's urban basin. The climb-out over the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains provides superior scenic value.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side seats face southwest on departure, offering views of the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs. Right-side seats point northeast toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (flowing southeast below), Laurentian Mountains (northern horizon), Montreal urban sprawl (receding beneath), Île Perrot (visible in river to the west).
What can I see when landing at Congonhas in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Congonhas (CGH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats face west-northwest on approach to Congonhas, providing views of the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains and the Paraíba River valley. Left-side seats see less distinctive terrain during descent into São Paulo's urban basin. Notable sights include: Serra da Mantiqueira (mountain range to the west), Paraíba River valley (flowing north-south), São Paulo metropolitan sprawl (expanding across the basin), Cantareira Mountains (northern rim of the basin).
How long is the flight from Montreal to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Congonhas (CGH) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,069 miles (8,157 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible during climb-out over eastern North America), then traverses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 4 hours with no significant landmarks. Upon approaching South America, the Amazon Basin becomes visible as vast forested terrain, followed by the Brazilian Plateau and its river systems (including the Paraíba and Tietê rivers) as the aircraft descends toward São Paulo.