Loading map...
GIG → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a more diverse geographic experience, offering views of the Amazon heartland, the northern ridges of the Andes in Colombia, and a spectacular entry into the United States over the Texas coastline.
Search flights from GIG to IAH
Serra do Mar
Dense Atlantic Forest mountains rising sharply from the Brazilian coast shortly after takeoff.
Amazon Rainforest
A vast, unbroken green canopy that stretches to the horizon for several hours of the flight.
Andean Foothills
The northernmost ridges of the Andes mountain range visible as the plane transitions toward the Caribbean.
Caribbean Reefs
Vibrant turquoise waters and intricate coral formations as you pass near the Cayman Islands.
Texas Coastline
Aerial views of Galveston Island and the barrier islands of the Gulf of Mexico during descent.
Choose the left side for the best chance to see the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico if taking a late afternoon flight. Watch for the dramatic color change as the dark green Amazon gives way to the bright blue Caribbean. On approach to IAH, this side typically provides views of the Houston skyline if the flight path arrives from the south.
Get eSIMs for Brazil
Get eSIMs for United States
Sugarloaf Mountain
The iconic Pão de Açúcar and Guanabara Bay immediately visible if departing to the north or east.
Amazon Mainstream
The massive scale of the Amazon River's primary channel and its winding tributaries.
San Andres Island
A glimpse of the Colombian island paradise located in the western Caribbean Sea.
Western Cuba
Distant views of the Cuban coastline and the Yucatan Channel during the overwater transit.
Houston Ship Channel
A view of one of the world's busiest industrial ports during the final approach into Houston.
The right side is essential for the most iconic departure views of Rio de Janeiro's landmarks. This side is ideal for morning flights to see the sun illuminate the rainforest. Keep an eye out for the expansive river networks of northern Brazil which are often more prominent on this side depending on the specific flight corridor.
Book Hotels in HoustonDistance: 8,088 km (5,026 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 31 min
Departure: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.