While takeoff offers pleasant river and mountain views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and iconic scenery—the snow-capped volcanic peaks of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl are among Mexico's most visually striking landmarks and are reliably visible during descent into Mexico City.
Flown YUL to MEX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Mexico City is 2,307 miles (3,712 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula. Over the gulf (roughly 2.5 hours into flight), passengers may see the coastline of the Yucatan receding behind and open water ahead. As the aircraft approaches Mexico, the Yucatan's low limestone terrain and cenote-dotted landscape become visible, followed by the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains as the aircraft descends toward the Mexican plateau and the Valley of Mexico.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs southwestward out of Montreal. Right seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at MEX
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Valley of Mexico and the volcanic peaks (Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl) during descent into Mexico City. Left seats face toward the city's western suburbs with less dramatic scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Mexico City. While takeoff offers pleasant river and mountain views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and iconic scenery—the snow-capped volcanic peaks of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl are among Mexico's most visually striking landmarks and are reliably visible during descent into Mexico City.
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 seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs southwestward out of Montreal. Right seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains (north of Montreal), Lake of Two Mountains, Montreal urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
When landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Valley of Mexico and the volcanic peaks (Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl) during descent into Mexico City. Left seats face toward the city's western suburbs with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Valley of Mexico, Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, Mexico City urban expanse.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Mexico City?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,307 miles (3,712 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Mexico City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula. Over the gulf (roughly 2.5 hours into flight), passengers may see the coastline of the Yucatan receding behind and open water ahead. As the aircraft approaches Mexico, the Yucatan's low limestone terrain and cenote-dotted landscape become visible, followed by the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains as the aircraft descends toward the Mexican plateau and the Valley of Mexico.