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IAD → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a more dramatic landscape, featuring the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont and the distant, iconic silhouette of the Blue Ridge Mountains throughout the flight.
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Blue Ridge Horizon
Consistent views of the Appalachian mountain range providing a scenic backdrop to the west.
James River Valley
A beautiful perspective of the James River as it winds through the central Virginia landscape.
Charlottesville Region
Visuals of the historic Piedmont area surrounding the University of Virginia and Monticello.
Virginia Piedmont
Rolling emerald hills and dense hardwood forests that characterize the central Virginia geography.
Research Triangle Park
Aerial views of the dense forest and tech campuses that define the approach into RDU.
The right side is best for afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the mountains. Keep an eye out for the distinct change in topography as you move from the mountainous northern section toward the flatter research triangle region.
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Potomac River Basin
Vast views of the Potomac River and the outskirts of the D.C. metropolitan area immediately following takeoff.
Richmond Skyline
Distant views of Virginia's capital city and its historic urban core during the mid-flight cruise.
Kerr Lake & Lake Gaston
Extensive views of these massive man-made reservoirs straddling the Virginia and North Carolina border.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. This side is ideal for spotting the sprawling reservoir systems near the state line. If the flight path tracks further east, you may catch the glimmer of the Chesapeake Bay in the far distance.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 361 km (224 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 36 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
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