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IAD destination photo
BNA destination photo

IADBNA

Our Recommendation
8.4

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior lighting for photography and a significantly higher probability of viewing the Nashville downtown skyline during the arrival sequence.

Right Side Highlights
8.4
✈️

Dulles Tech Corridor

Immediately after takeoff, view the massive data center clusters and suburban landscapes of Northern Virginia.

⛰️

Allegheny Mountains

Dramatic 'ridge and valley' formations of the Appalachian Plateau stretching across West Virginia.

🐎

Kentucky Bluegrass Region

As the plane crosses into Kentucky, look for the manicured patterns of rolling hills and horse farms.

🏙️

Nashville Skyline

Depending on the wind and runway approach, the iconic 'Batman Building' and Broadway are best viewed from this side.

🛶

Cumberland River

The winding river that snakes through the Nashville basin, marking the approach into the city.

The right side is ideal for afternoon travel as it faces away from the sun, providing consistent lighting of the landscape. For the best view of the Nashville skyline, hope for an arrival from the west or a landing on the 2-series runways.

Left Side Highlights
7.6
⛰️

Shenandoah National Park

The rolling peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the winding Skyline Drive are visible shortly after departure.

🌲

George Washington National Forest

Vast stretches of dense Appalachian hardwood forests covering the mountainous terrain of western Virginia.

🏔️

Mount Rogers

The highest point in Virginia, often visible as the flight path skirts the southwestern corner of the state.

🚤

J. Percy Priest Lake

A large reservoir that serves as a major landmark just moments before the wheels touch down in Nashville.

Sit on the left for morning flights to capture the sun rising over the Virginia Piedmont. During winter months, the snow-covered ridges of the Blue Ridge are highly photogenic, though afternoon flights may suffer from intense sun glare.

Top Activities in Nashville
Route Information

Distance: 871 km (541 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min

Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)

Arrival: BNA (36.1245002746582, -86.6781997680664)

Route Type: Domestic

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