Loading map...
CLT → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a more iconic view of the Charlotte skyline immediately upon departure and offers a better perspective of the Research Triangle Park and Duke University landmarks during the descent into Raleigh-Durham.
Search flights from CLT to RDU
Uptown Charlotte
A direct view of the Bank of America Corporate Center and the dense skyscraper cluster of Charlotte shortly after takeoff.
Lake Norman
North Carolina's largest man-made lake is visible to the north, especially during westbound departures that loop around the city.
The Triad View
Distant views of the Greensboro and Winston-Salem skylines as the flight cruises over the Piedmont region.
Duke University
Spot the iconic Gothic architecture of the Duke Chapel and the sprawling West Campus during the descent into the Triangle.
Research Triangle Park
Aerial views of the massive global tech and biotech campuses that sit right on the edge of the RDU airport boundary.
For the best photography of the Charlotte skyline, morning flights are preferred to avoid sun glare. This route is exceptionally short (often under 30 minutes in the air), so keep your window shade up from the moment of pushback. Ask for a seat forward of the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of Duke's campus during the final approach.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
US National Whitewater Center
The world's largest man-made whitewater river is clearly visible just west of CLT airport during initial climb.
Uwharrie National Forest
View the rolling, ancient hills of one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America located in central NC.
Jordan Lake
A massive 14,000-acre reservoir that serves as a primary visual landmark for pilots entering the RDU airspace from the southwest.
PNC Arena
Home of the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State basketball, located just south of the airport approach path.
The City of Oaks
As you descend, witness the dense tree canopy of Raleigh and Cary that gives the region its famous nickname.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunset on late afternoon flights heading east. Jordan Lake is the most prominent geographic feature on this side; it appears about 5-8 minutes before landing. If landing on Runway 5L, the right side offers an excellent view of the SAS Institute campus and the suburban sprawl of Cary.
Book Hotels in Raleigh-durhamDistance: 209 km (130 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 21 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.