Loading map...
LGA → MSN
Which side of the plane to sit from La Guardia Airport (New York) to Dane County Regional Truax Field (Madison)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled departure view of the Manhattan skyline and Central Park, followed by a scenic journey over the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains before crossing the Great Lakes.
Manhattan Skyline
Iconic views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Midtown skyscrapers immediately after takeoff.
Hudson River
A long-distance view of the historic river winding north toward Albany.
Catskill Mountains
The rugged, elevated terrain of upstate New York provides a dramatic landscape.
Great Lakes Shoreline
Views of the Lake Erie or Lake Michigan coastlines depending on the specific flight corridor.
Lake Mendota
Madison's largest lake, bordering the University of Wisconsin campus, visible during landing.
The departure from LGA is the main event; have your camera ready within the first 5 minutes of flight for the NYC skyline. Morning flights are ideal for this side to avoid glare and see the Catskills illuminated by the eastern sun.
New Jersey Gold Coast
Dense urban views of Jersey City and Newark shortly after takeoff.
Pocono Mountains
Rolling forested terrain and small lakes of northeastern Pennsylvania.
Lake Michigan Crossing
The deep blue waters of the lake as you approach the Wisconsin shoreline.
Wisconsin State Capitol
The white granite dome of the capitol building is often visible on the southern approach into Madison.
Midwestern Farmland
The patchwork quilt of agricultural fields characteristic of southern Wisconsin.
Sit on the left if you want a better chance of seeing the Madison Isthmus and the State Capitol during the final descent. For sunset flights, this side will experience direct sunlight, which can be harsh for photography but beautiful for colors.
Distance: 1,303 km (810 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 44 min
Departure: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)
Arrival: MSN (43.13990020751953, -89.3375015258789)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.