Loading map...

BTV destination photo
DCA destination photo

BTVDCA

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the Adirondack peaks and Lake Champlain shortly after takeoff, followed by the spectacular 'River Visual' approach into DCA, which provides a front-row seat to the Pentagon and the Washington DC skyline.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🌊

Lake Champlain

Immediate views of the deep blue waters and the lakeside transition from Vermont to New York.

🏔️

Adirondack Mountains

The rugged High Peaks region of upstate New York is visible shortly after departure.

🌲

Catskill Mountains

Scenic views of the heavily forested plateau and deep valleys of the Hudson Highlands region.

🏛️

National Mall

During the River Visual approach, see the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument across the Potomac.

💠

The Pentagon

An unmatched aerial perspective of the world's largest office building just seconds before touchdown.

The right side is essential for the iconic DCA 'River Visual' landing (usually Runway 19); sit here to see the major monuments. For the best lighting on the Adirondacks and Catskills, choose a late afternoon flight when the sun sets to the west.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
⛰️

Green Mountains

View the rolling, forested ridges of Vermont stretching southward from the departure climb.

🏙️

Philadelphia Skyline

On clear days, see the dense urban core and skyscrapers of Philly as you traverse the Northeast Corridor.

⚓

Baltimore Inner Harbor

Look for the distinctive shape of the harbor and the density of the Maryland coastline.

🌊

Chesapeake Bay

Vast views of the tidal estuary and its intricate network of inlets before descending into Virginia.

Morning flights are ideal for the left side to catch the sunrise illuminating the Green Mountains. During the descent, keep an eye out for the sprawling suburbs of Maryland and the northern reaches of the Chesapeake Bay.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 703 km (437 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 10 min

Departure: BTV (44.4719009399, -73.15329742429998)

Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.