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EWR → MSN
Which side of the plane to sit from Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark) to Dane County Regional Truax Field (Madison)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side (Starboard) is generally preferred for this route because it offers extensive views of the Great Lakes shoreline and a superior perspective of Lake Mendota upon arrival in Madison.
Search flights from EWR to MSN
Hudson River
Departures to the north provide views of the George Washington Bridge and the Palisades before turning west.
Pocono Mountains
A scenic stretch of forested hills and vacation lakes in northeastern Pennsylvania shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Lake Erie Coastline
Detailed views of the northern Ohio and Pennsylvania shoreline, including the Presque Isle State Park peninsula.
Detroit & Lake St. Clair
Views of the Motor City and the international border between Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
Lake Mendota
Just before landing at MSN, the right side provides a magnificent view of Madison's largest lake and the UW-Madison campus.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. It provides the best perspective of the Great Lakes' vastness. As the pilot begins the descent into Madison, look for the 'Isthmus'—the narrow strip of land between the lakes—which is most clearly seen from the right-hand windows if the plane approaches from the north.
Book Hotels in MadisonManhattan Skyline
If the flight departs to the east and banks south, the left side offers a stunning panorama of the New York City skyline and Jersey City.
Appalachian Ridges
Linear mountain ridges and valleys of Pennsylvania, showcasing the unique geological folding of the eastern United States.
Cleveland Skyline
A view of the Ohio city along the southern shores of Lake Erie, including the prominent Terminal Tower and sports stadiums.
Southern Lake Michigan
As you cross the lake, the left side looks toward the southern basin and the industrial shoreline near Gary and Chicago.
Wisconsin State Capitol
On the final approach to MSN, the left side often captures the white granite dome of the Capitol building nestled between the lakes.
Choose the left side for sunset views on evening flights as the sun will be positioned to the south and west. During the initial climb from EWR, keep your camera ready for the NYC skyline, though visibility depends on the specific departure corridor assigned by ATC. Watch for the transition from the rolling hills of PA to the flat plains of the Midwest.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,282 km (797 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min
Departure: EWR (40.69250106811523, -74.168701171875)
Arrival: MSN (43.13990020751953, -89.3375015258789)
Route Type: Domestic
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