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FCO → GIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome) to Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior viewing experience for the arrival in South America, offering a long, scenic journey down the Brazilian coastline and a front-row seat to the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.
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Mediterranean Twilight
Exiting the Italian coast with views of the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea as the sun begins to set.
Equatorial Sunrise
A spectacular sunrise over the open Atlantic as the flight crosses the Intertropical Convergence Zone.
Brazilian Landfall
The first sightings of the South American continent near the reefs and white sands of Natal and Recife.
Costa do Sol
Gliding past the turquoise waters and salt lagoons of Cabo Frio and Búzios before the final descent.
Niterói Bridge
A clear view of the massive Rio-Niterói Bridge stretching across Guanabara Bay during the final approach.
Since this 11-12 hour flight typically departs Rome in the evening, the left side is the 'sunrise side' as you approach Brazil. Try to secure a window seat away from the wing to fully appreciate the coastal geography of the Brazilian Northeast. During the approach to GIG, if the plane lands towards the south, the left side offers views of the Niterói side of the bay.
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Lazio Coastline
Immediate views of the Italian shoreline and the mouth of the Tiber River right after takeoff.
Saharan Stargazing
Unmatched views of the night sky and remote desert outposts over North Africa due to zero light pollution.
Serra dos Órgãos
Dramatic granite peaks and 'The Finger of God' rock formation visible in the distance over the Brazilian highlands.
Atlantic Forest
The lush, emerald green canopy of the Serra do Mar mountains as the aircraft descends into the state of Rio.
Rio Cityscape
Possible glimpses of the sprawling city and the iconic mountain silhouettes if the approach path circles from the west.
The right side is the 'sunset side' for the first hour of the flight leaving Rome. It is particularly good for those who want to see the rugged inland mountains of Brazil (Serra do Mar) upon arrival. For the landing at GIG, if the flight performs a standard approach from the north, the right side often sees the dense urban sprawl of Rio and the mountain ranges surrounding the city.
Book Hotels in Rio De JaneiroDistance: 9,171 km (5,699 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 47 min
Departure: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Arrival: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Route Type: International
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