The right side wins overall. While left is better at takeoff for the Toronto skyline, the right side captures the Atlantic coastline of the eastern US during cruise, the Bahamas chain if the routing goes that way, and delivers the spectacular Old San Juan and Puerto Rico north coast arrival. The landing view on the right is simply more dramatic and memorable than the Toronto departure.
Flown YYZ to SJU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to San Juan is 1,915 miles (3,082 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast over upstate New York and the Catskill Mountains, then the New Jersey coast and Delaware Bay. Over the Atlantic, the Outer Banks of North Carolina may be visible. The route then passes east of the Bahamas archipelago — Grand Bahama and the northern Bahamas chain can sometimes be seen as low sandy strips in turquoise water. Hispaniola's mountainous interior (Cordillera Central) appears on the horizon before Puerto Rico comes into view.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTYYZ departures on runways 23/24 (the most common westerly departures) swing the aircraft southeast, putting Lake Ontario and the Toronto downtown skyline on the left side. You get a clear view of the CN Tower, the waterfront, and the lake stretching east toward Hamilton Bay.
Landing at SJU
RIGHTSJU's primary runway 10 has aircraft approaching from the west over the ocean, then turning over the north coast of Puerto Rico. The right side gives you the best view of Old San Juan on its peninsula, the Atlantic coastline, and El Yunque rainforest in the distance to the southeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to San Juan. The right side wins overall. While left is better at takeoff for the Toronto skyline, the right side captures the Atlantic coastline of the eastern US during cruise, the Bahamas chain if the routing goes that way, and delivers the spectacular Old San Juan and Puerto Rico north coast arrival. The landing view on the right is simply more dramatic and memorable than the Toronto departure.
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 departures on runways 23/24 (the most common westerly departures) swing the aircraft southeast, putting Lake Ontario and the Toronto downtown skyline on the left side. You get a clear view of the CN Tower, the waterfront, and the lake stretching east toward Hamilton Bay. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario shoreline, Hamilton Harbour to the west, Toronto Islands.
What can I see when landing at Luis Munoz Marin International in San Juan?
When landing at Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU), sit on the Right side for the best views. SJU's primary runway 10 has aircraft approaching from the west over the ocean, then turning over the north coast of Puerto Rico. The right side gives you the best view of Old San Juan on its peninsula, the Atlantic coastline, and El Yunque rainforest in the distance to the southeast. Notable sights include: Old San Juan peninsula and city walls, Condado lagoon and beach strip, El Yunque National Forest ridgeline to the southeast, San Juan Bay.
How long is the flight from Toronto to San Juan?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,915 miles (3,082 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to San Juan flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over upstate New York and the Catskill Mountains, then the New Jersey coast and Delaware Bay. Over the Atlantic, the Outer Banks of North Carolina may be visible. The route then passes east of the Bahamas archipelago — Grand Bahama and the northern Bahamas chain can sometimes be seen as low sandy strips in turquoise water. Hispaniola's mountainous interior (Cordillera Central) appears on the horizon before Puerto Rico comes into view.