The left side wins overall due to the dramatic Toronto departure views — the CN Tower, Lake Ontario, and the city grid are genuinely spectacular on climb-out. The right side is better for landing, but the takeoff experience on the left is the highlight of this route. If forced to choose one side for the whole flight, left gives you the better departure show and comparable views over the Amazon basin and Atlantic coast during cruise.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea north of Venezuela, then tracks over the Amazon basin in northern Brazil — a vast unbroken green canopy with the Amazon River and its tributaries visible as wide brown ribbons on clear days. The route then passes over the cerrado and agricultural zones of central Brazil before descending toward São Paulo. The Atlantic coast of Venezuela and the Guiana Highlands may be visible early in the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTYYZ typically departs runway 23 or 24L/24R heading southwest, then aircraft turn southeast toward the flight path. A left seat gives you the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario as you climb out and bank. The CN Tower and downtown core are clearly visible from the left side during the initial turn.
Landing at GRU
RIGHTGRU is located northeast of São Paulo city center, and aircraft typically approach from the north or northeast on runway 09R/27L or 10/28. A right-side seat on approach from the north gives views over the Serra da Cantareira and the dense urban sprawl of greater São Paulo spreading to the south and west. The Tietê River valley and the city's reservoir system are visible on this side.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Sao Paulo. The left side wins overall due to the dramatic Toronto departure views — the CN Tower, Lake Ontario, and the city grid are genuinely spectacular on climb-out. The right side is better for landing, but the takeoff experience on the left is the highlight of this route. If forced to choose one side for the whole flight, left gives you the better departure show and comparable views over the Amazon basin and Atlantic coast during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. YYZ typically departs runway 23 or 24L/24R heading southwest, then aircraft turn southeast toward the flight path. A left seat gives you the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario as you climb out and bank. The CN Tower and downtown core are clearly visible from the left side during the initial turn. Notable sights include: Toronto downtown skyline and CN Tower, Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands, Hamilton Harbour to the west.
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. GRU is located northeast of São Paulo city center, and aircraft typically approach from the north or northeast on runway 09R/27L or 10/28. A right-side seat on approach from the north gives views over the Serra da Cantareira and the dense urban sprawl of greater São Paulo spreading to the south and west. The Tietê River valley and the city's reservoir system are visible on this side. Notable sights include: Serra da Cantareira forested ridge, São Paulo urban sprawl, Tietê River valley, Billings and Guarapiranga reservoir system to the south.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the Toronto to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea north of Venezuela, then tracks over the Amazon basin in northern Brazil — a vast unbroken green canopy with the Amazon River and its tributaries visible as wide brown ribbons on clear days. The route then passes over the cerrado and agricultural zones of central Brazil before descending toward São Paulo. The Atlantic coast of Venezuela and the Guiana Highlands may be visible early in the flight.