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BUF → TPA
Which side of the plane to sit from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (Buffalo) to Tampa International Airport (Tampa)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views of the Appalachian chain, the Right Side is superior for its expansive views of the Gulf of Mexico upon descent and better lighting during evening flights.
Search flights from BUF to TPA
Lake Erie Shoreline
Expansive views of the lake's southern shore and the mouth of the Niagara River departing Buffalo.
Allegheny National Forest
Vast stretches of dense green forest and deep river valleys in Northern Pennsylvania.
Monongahela National Forest
Rugged, high-altitude terrain and the rolling peaks of the West Virginia highlands.
Nature Coast & Gulf
The emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the swampy, untouched coastline near Cedar Key and Crystal River.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Panoramic views of the iconic cable-stayed bridge and the mouth of Tampa Bay during the landing pattern.
Select the right side for sunset flights to enjoy spectacular colors over the Gulf of Mexico. Keep an eye out during the final 15 minutes of the flight; if the plane approaches from the north, you'll get the best views of the Florida coastline and the turquoise waters of the Gulf.
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Buffalo Skyline
Aerial view of downtown Buffalo, the KeyBank Center, and the historic grain elevators along the Buffalo River immediately after takeoff.
Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians
Distinctive parallel mountain ridges stretching across Pennsylvania and Virginia, showcasing unique geological folds.
Charlotte Metro
Often passes close to the Charlotte 'Uptown' skyline and the sprawling suburbs of the Carolina Piedmont region.
Central Florida Lakes
Thousands of small circular lakes dotting the landscape north of Orlando as the flight crosses into Florida.
Downtown Tampa
Close-up views of the Tampa skyscrapers and the Hillsborough River during the final descent into TPA.
Early morning flights will experience significant sun glare on this side. It is the best side for seeing the urban density of the East Coast corridor and the complex ridge patterns of the Pennsylvania mountains.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,699 km (1,056 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 16 min
Departure: BUF (42.94049835, -78.73220062)
Arrival: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Route Type: Domestic
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