Montreal to New York is 334 miles (537 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
While the right side wins at takeoff with Montreal city views, the left side delivers the more dramatic payoff: the iconic New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline approach into JFK is one of the most visually spectacular arrivals in commercial aviation. Left side also picks up Hudson Valley farmland and the Catskills on the horizon during cruise.
Flight Path
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest along the Hudson Valley corridor. Visible features include Lake Champlain briefly on the left early in the flight, the Green Mountains of Vermont to the left and the Adirondacks to the right during initial cruise, then the Hudson River valley becomes the dominant geographic feature as the aircraft descends, with the Catskill Mountains visible to the west and the broad agricultural floodplain of the upper Hudson below.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
RIGHTMontreal's main departure runway 24L sends aircraft southwest, putting the right side facing northwest toward the St. Lawrence River and the Montreal city skyline including Mount Royal. The urban core and the broad St. Lawrence are clearly visible before the aircraft climbs out over the South Shore.
Landing at JFK
LEFTJFK's most common arrival configuration uses runway 31L/31R, approaching from the southeast over Jamaica Bay. Left-side passengers get a clear view of Lower Manhattan, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the full sweep of New York Harbor on final approach. Right side faces inland over Queens.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to New York. While the right side wins at takeoff with Montreal city views, the left side delivers the more dramatic payoff: the iconic New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline approach into JFK is one of the most visually spectacular arrivals in commercial aviation. Left side also picks up Hudson Valley farmland and the Catskills on the horizon during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Montreal's main departure runway 24L sends aircraft southwest, putting the right side facing northwest toward the St. Lawrence River and the Montreal city skyline including Mount Royal. The urban core and the broad St. Lawrence are clearly visible before the aircraft climbs out over the South Shore. Notable sights include: Mount Royal and its cross, Montreal downtown skyline, St. Lawrence River, Île de Montréal shoreline.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK's most common arrival configuration uses runway 31L/31R, approaching from the southeast over Jamaica Bay. Left-side passengers get a clear view of Lower Manhattan, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the full sweep of New York Harbor on final approach. Right side faces inland over Queens. Notable sights include: Lower Manhattan skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay, New York Harbor.
How long is the flight from Montreal to New York?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 334 miles (537 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to New York flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest along the Hudson Valley corridor. Visible features include Lake Champlain briefly on the left early in the flight, the Green Mountains of Vermont to the left and the Adirondacks to the right during initial cruise, then the Hudson River valley becomes the dominant geographic feature as the aircraft descends, with the Catskill Mountains visible to the west and the broad agricultural floodplain of the upper Hudson below.