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IAD → GRU
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Guarulhos - Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (Sao Paulo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior primarily for the spectacular sunrise over the Atlantic and Amazon basin, along with better views of the Caribbean island chains during the initial hours of the flight.
Search flights from IAD to GRU
Bahamian Cays
Aerial views of the vibrant turquoise waters and coral structures of the Exumas and southern Bahamas.
Caribbean Crossing
Deep blue vistas of the Caribbean Sea, often passing east of the Greater Antilles.
Equatorial Sunrise
A stunning sunrise over the horizon as the plane crosses into the southern hemisphere.
Amazon River Basin
The winding brown ribbons of the Amazon River system snaking through dense, endless green canopy.
Coastal Brazil
Distant views of the rugged coastline and the transition from jungle to the Brazilian highlands.
Since this flight typically departs IAD in the evening, the first few hours are dark. Choose the left side to witness the sunrise over the Amazon around 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM local time. Use a flight tracker to identify the 'Meeting of the Waters' near Manaus where the Rio Negro and Solimões meet; it is often visible on this side depending on the specific GPS track.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for BrazilMid-Atlantic Coast
Initial views of the Virginia and North Carolina coastline shortly after takeoff from Dulles.
Hispaniola Peaks
Distal views of the high mountain ranges of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Mato Grosso Wetlands
The northern edges of the Pantanal region, featuring unique seasonal floodplains and vegetation.
Brazilian Highlands
The Planalto Central, characterized by ancient plateaus and vast agricultural landscapes.
Sao Paulo Urban Sprawl
An incredible view of the 'Sea of Skyscrapers' as you descend into the Guarulhos area.
The right side is ideal for passengers who prefer to sleep during the sunrise, as it stays shaded longer. It offers a spectacular view of the massive urban density of Sao Paulo during the final descent. If the flight path takes a more westerly route over the continent, look for the unique red earth of the Brazilian interior's agricultural heartland.
Book Hotels in Sao PauloDistance: 7,649 km (4,753 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: GRU (-23.435556411743164, -46.47305679321289)
Route Type: International
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