Short-haul flying is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Instead of committing to long multi-hour flights, short routes let you experience takeoff, climb, descent, and landing within 45 to 120 minutes.
But not every aircraft is suited to short sectors. Some are built for long-range efficiency, while others are optimised for quick turnarounds and regional operations.
This guide explores the best aircraft for short-haul routes, depending on whether you prefer realism, performance, or simplicity.
What Defines a Short Haul Route?
In MSFS, short haul typically means:
- 100 to 800 nautical miles
- 30 minutes to 2 hours
- High airport density
- Frequent climbs and descents
Short-haul aircraft are usually:
- Narrow-body jets
- Regional jets
- Turboprops
- Advanced piston twins
Best Narrow-Body Jet – Airbus A320neo
The A320neo is ideal for realistic short European or domestic routes.
Why it works well:
- Efficient automation
- Excellent short-field capability
- Strong VNAV management
- Typical real-world sectors under 2 hours
Ideal routes:
- London to Paris
- Sydney to Melbourne
- Frankfurt to Rome
The A320 is perfect if you want airliner realism without committing to long haul.
Best Boeing Option – Boeing 737
The 737 family remains a short-haul classic.
Why it excels:
- Excellent short runway performance
- Hands-on flying experience
- Highly active regional use worldwide
The 737 feels slightly more manual than the A320 and suits pilots who enjoy mode management.
Typical routes:
- US domestic sectors
- Regional European hops
- Short Asian routes
Best Regional Jet – Embraer E-Jets
Regional jets are purpose-built for short sectors.
Advantages:
- Faster turnaround
- Shorter runway operations
- Ideal for 300–600 NM routes
The Embraer E170/E175 or E190/E195 family is perfect for realistic regional airline operations.
Great for:
- Smaller airports
- Lower traffic routes
- High-frequency schedules
Best Turboprop – ATR 72
For true regional immersion, turboprops shine.
Why the ATR is excellent:
- Efficient at lower altitudes
- Realistic for 200–400 NM
- Excellent for challenging airports
Turboprops are slower but more engaging, especially in poor weather or mountainous terrain.
Best General Aviation Twin – DA62
If you prefer GA realism over airliners:
- Cruise around 170 knots
- Comfortable 300–600 NM
- Excellent visibility
The DA62 bridges the gap between GA and light commercial flying.
Ideal for:
- Scenic regional flights
- Business-style operations
- VFR or light IFR flying
Best Classic Short Field Aircraft – Cessna 208 Caravan
- Strong STOL performance
- Great for remote strips
- Ideal for bush or island flying
Perfect for:
- Papua New Guinea
- Alaska
- Indonesian islands
Best for Maximum Engagement – CRJ
Regional jets like the CRJ require more manual management than Airbus aircraft.
Why it’s rewarding:
- Less automated VNAV
- More pilot involvement
- Realistic regional airline feel
Best for pilots who enjoy the workload.
Choosing the Right Aircraft for Your Style
- If you want full automation
Choose A320 or 737. - If you want regional realism
Choose Embraer or CRJ. - If you want challenging landings
Choose ATR or Caravan. - If you want scenic flexibility
Choose DA62.
Route Examples by Aircraft Type
Under 200 NM
- ATR 72
- Caravan
- DA62
200–500 NM
- Embraer E175
- CRJ
- ATR 72
500–800 NM
- A320neo
- 737
Short-haul is about matching aircraft capability to route length.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Short-Haul Aircraft
- Flying long-haul jets on 150 NM routes
Aircraft like the 787 are inefficient for very short legs. - Using heavy aircraft on short runways
Runway length matters. - Ignoring climb and descent time
On short routes, you spend more time climbing and descending than cruising.
Why Short Haul Flying Is So Popular
Short sectors offer:
- More takeoffs and landings
- Faster learning progression
- Easier scheduling
- Less fatigue
You can complete multiple flights in one session.
This makes short-haul ideal for:
- Skill development
- Testing new aircraft
- Scenic exploration
Summary
The best aircraft for short-haul routes in MSFS 2024 depends on your flying style and route length. Narrow-body jets like the A320 and 737 dominate realistic airline operations, while regional jets and turboprops provide authentic short-sector immersion. For scenic or business-style flying, aircraft like the DA62 or Caravan offer flexibility and engagement. Matching aircraft capability to route distance is the key to enjoyable and realistic short-haul flying.