Loading map...
IAD → BNA
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Nashville International Airport (Nashville)?
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.
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.
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.
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
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.