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OPO → GIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto) to Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers the most dramatic land-based views, including the departure over Porto and the iconic coastal approach into Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay.
Search flights from OPO to GIG
Douro River Delta
A stunning view of the Douro River meeting the Atlantic Ocean immediately after takeoff from Porto.
Portuguese Silver Coast
The rugged cliffs and white-sand beaches of central Portugal visible during the initial climb south.
Brazilian Landfall
The first sighting of the South American continent, typically near the coral reefs of Recife or Maceió.
All Saints Bay
An expansive view of Salvador, Brazil's first capital, and its large surrounding bay from high altitude.
Rio's Iconic Peaks
The premier view of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue during the standard arrival into GIG.
Choose the left side for the best scenic arrival into Rio. Most flights from Europe approach GIG from the north or east, meaning the left side faces the city's famous landmarks like Sugarloaf and Guanabara Bay. On daytime flights, keep your shade down over the Atlantic to avoid the glare, but open it as you cross the Brazilian coastline. For night flights, the left side provides the best view of the glittering coastal cities of the Brazilian Northeast.
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Atlantic Sunset
Unobstructed views of the sun setting over the ocean horizon on afternoon departures from Porto.
Equatorial Storms
Towering cumulonimbus clouds often found in the Intertropical Convergence Zone near the equator.
Região dos Lagos
The turquoise waters and white sand dunes of Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo during the descent.
Serra do Mar
The lush, jungle-covered mountains of the coastal range that border the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Niterói Bridge
A view of the Rio-Niterói bridge and the city of Niterói just before touchdown at Galeão.
The right side is ideal for passengers who prefer to avoid the direct sun during a southbound daytime flight. While it offers fewer land-based landmarks, it provides a peaceful view of the vast Atlantic and beautiful sunset colors. On arrival, you may see the lagoons of the Lake District (Região dos Lagos) and the Niterói side of the bay. It is also the quieter side for sleep on overnight flights as the morning sun rises on the opposite side.
Book Hotels in Rio De JaneiroDistance: 7,965 km (4,949 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 22 min
Departure: OPO (41.2481002808, -8.68138980865)
Arrival: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Route Type: International
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