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SDU → BSB
Which side of the plane to sit from Santos Dumont Airport (Rio De Janeiro) to Presidente Juscelino Kubistschek International Airport (Brasilia)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views of Rio de Janeiro's landmarks immediately after takeoff from Santos Dumont, including an up-close perspective of Christ the Redeemer.
Christ the Redeemer
Unbeatable views of the Corcovado mountain and the iconic statue shortly after departure.
Tijuca National Park
The lush greenery of the world's largest urban forest covering the mountainous spine of Rio.
Serra dos Órgãos
Dramatic granite peaks of the mountain range near Teresópolis, visible in the distance.
Belo Horizonte Area
Views of the rolling hills and urban sprawl of the Minas Gerais capital region mid-flight.
Paranoá Lake South
The southern residential branches of Brasília's massive artificial lake during the descent.
Book a window seat in the front half of the plane to avoid wing obstruction during the steep SDU climb. Morning flights (07:00-10:00) offer the best lighting for photography of Christ the Redeemer. Keep your camera ready within the first 3 minutes of takeoff, as the plane usually banks left over the city.
Sugarloaf Mountain
A stunning view of Pão de Açúcar and the entrance to Guanabara Bay upon takeoff.
Rio-Niterói Bridge
The massive 13km bridge stretching across the bay toward the city of Niterói.
Petrópolis Mountains
The misty, high-altitude landscape of the Imperial City nestled in the Atlantic Forest.
Central Highlands
The transition from coastal mountains to the vast, red-earthed agricultural plateaus of the Cerrado.
Plano Piloto
The legendary airplane-shaped layout of Brasília and the Esplanada dos Ministérios during final approach.
The right side is superior for viewing Brasília's unique urban planning. If the aircraft lands from the south (standard for BSB), you will see the entire 'airplane' layout of the city. Late afternoon flights provide a spectacular 'Golden Hour' view over the Brazilian Cerrado as you approach the Federal District.
Distance: 928 km (577 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: SDU (-22.910499572800003, -43.1631011963)
Arrival: BSB (-15.86916732788086, -47.92083358764648)
Route Type: Domestic
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