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BWI → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most iconic landmarks, including a potential view of the Washington D.C. skyline, the Baltimore Inner Harbor immediately after takeoff, and the academic grounds of Durham during the descent.
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Baltimore Inner Harbor
Excellent views of Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, and the historic harbor district right after wheels up.
Washington D.C. Skyline
A glimpse of the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, and the Pentagon as the flight path passes the D.C. metro area.
The Potomac River
The scenic crossing of the Maryland-Virginia border over the wide, forested banks of the Potomac.
Duke University & Durham
Views of the Gothic architecture of Duke Chapel and the urban layout of Durham just before touchdown.
The right side is the 'city side' for this route. For the best views of D.C., hope for a clear day; the landmarks are visible about 10-15 minutes into the flight. Afternoon flights provide the best lighting for photography on this side, as the sun will be behind the aircraft.
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Chesapeake Bay
Expansive views of the largest estuary in the United States shimmering to the east during the initial climb.
James River
The winding path of Virginia's historic river as it snakes toward the coast near Richmond.
Downtown Raleigh
A clear perspective of the North Carolina capital's growing skyline if the aircraft approaches RDU from the south.
Sit on the left for the best sunrise views on early morning departures. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Bay Bridge to the east shortly after departing BWI. On clear days, you can see the coastline of the Atlantic far in the distance.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 412 km (256 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 41 min
Departure: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
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