Loading map...
VRA → DME
Which side of the plane to sit from Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport (Varadero) to Domodedovo International Airport (Moscow)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Cuban coastline upon departure and higher chances of seeing the Greenland ice cap and the Aurora Borealis during the long northern Atlantic crossing.
Hicacos Peninsula
Stunning views of Varadero's thin strip of white sand and turquoise waters immediately after takeoff.
Greenland Ice Sheet
On the great circle route, catch glimpses of massive glaciers and rugged fjords along Greenland's southern tip.
Aurora Borealis
Since this route stays at high northern latitudes for hours, the left side provides a front-row seat to the Northern Lights during winter months.
Karelian Taiga
As the flight enters Russian airspace from the north, view the endless expanse of pine forests and pristine lakes.
Moscow Northern Suburbs
Views of the sprawling metropolitan outskirts and the Volga River as the plane begins its descent into the Moscow region.
Book a window seat toward the front to avoid wing obstruction of the Greenland ice caps. For the best chance to see the Aurora, travel between October and March and keep your cabin lights off and window shades up during the middle 6 hours of the flight. Have your camera ready within the first 5 minutes of takeoff for the best Varadero beach shots.
Bahamian Cays
Vibrant coral reefs and small uninhabited islands of the northern Bahamas shortly after leaving Cuban airspace.
Transatlantic Sunrise
As you fly east toward the morning, the right side experiences a prolonged and spectacular sunrise over the Atlantic horizon.
Open Atlantic Vistas
Expansive views of the deep blue ocean, occasionally punctuated by large cargo ships on the major shipping lanes.
Barents Sea Coast
Rugged, snow-dusted coastlines of northern Russia if the flight takes a more northerly trajectory to avoid European airspace.
Moscow City View
On final approach to Domodedovo, the right side often catches the distant skyline of Moscow's skyscrapers depending on the landing pattern.
The right side is ideal if you enjoy watching the sun rise, which happens quickly on eastbound flights. Use a polarising filter for your camera to cut through the haze and capture the deep blues of the Atlantic and Bahamas. Be aware that the sun can be quite intense on this side during the morning hours, so bring sunglasses for the descent.
Distance: 9,586 km (5,956 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 17 min
Departure: VRA (23.03440093994141, -81.435302734375)
Arrival: DME (55.40879821777344, 37.90629959106445)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.