While the Toronto skyline offers a strong start, the right side wins overall because the JFK approach delivers the more iconic and visually striking Manhattan skyline and Long Island Sound bridges, which stand out more than the mid-flight scenery on either side.
Flight Path
Western Lake Ontario shoreline near Hamilton, the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, and the Catskill Mountains before descending into the Hudson Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTDeparting YYZ on runway 05 and turning onto course toward JFK, the initial climb passes just north of downtown Toronto, putting the skyline and harbourfront on the left side of the aircraft. The right side shows mostly open Lake Ontario water with little detail.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTArrivals into JFK from the north typically descend over Westchester and Long Island Sound before turning south for runway 22L/22R, bringing the Manhattan skyline and the East River into view on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the flatter terrain of western Long Island and Nassau County suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to New York. While the Toronto skyline offers a strong start, the right side wins overall because the JFK approach delivers the more iconic and visually striking Manhattan skyline and Long Island Sound bridges, which stand out more than the mid-flight scenery on either side.
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. Departing YYZ on runway 05 and turning onto course toward JFK, the initial climb passes just north of downtown Toronto, putting the skyline and harbourfront on the left side of the aircraft. The right side shows mostly open Lake Ontario water with little detail. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario shoreline, Billy Bishop Airport on the waterfront.
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 Right side for the best views. Arrivals into JFK from the north typically descend over Westchester and Long Island Sound before turning south for runway 22L/22R, bringing the Manhattan skyline and the East River into view on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the flatter terrain of western Long Island and Nassau County suburbs. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Central Park, Throgs Neck and Whitestone Bridges, Long Island Sound, Jamaica Bay wetlands near JFK.
How long is the flight from Toronto to New York?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 1h 20m.
What does the Toronto to New York flight path pass over?
Western Lake Ontario shoreline near Hamilton, the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, and the Catskill Mountains before descending into the Hudson Valley