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IAD → RIC
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Richmond International Airport (Richmond)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides superior views of the rolling Virginia Piedmont and the distant Blue Ridge Mountains, highlighted by the glittering waters of Lake Anna.
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Blue Ridge Mountains
On clear days, the long, blue-tinted silhouette of the Shenandoah range is visible on the western horizon.
Manassas Battlefield
The green, open expanses of the historic Civil War sites are visible shortly after departure from Dulles.
Lake Anna
A massive, distinctively shaped reservoir known for its 'hot side' canals, serving the nearby nuclear power plant.
Virginia Piedmont
Scenic views of the rolling hills, patchwork farms, and dense forests typical of the Central Virginia landscape.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sun setting over the Blue Ridge. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes into the flight for the best view of Lake Anna's unique shoreline.
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Northern Virginia Suburbs
Bird's-eye view of the dense residential and commercial sprawl of Fairfax and Prince William counties.
Potomac River Basin
Glimpses of the winding river to the east, especially during early ascent or if the flight path tracks slightly east.
Quantico Area
Fly over the heavily forested grounds of the Marine Corps Base Quantico and its airfield.
Downtown Richmond
On final approach into RIC, the city skyline and the James River are often visible in the distance.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the glare of the rising sun. This side is better for observing the urban transition from DC's suburbs into the rural Virginia countryside.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 160 km (99 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 16 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: RIC (37.50519943237305, -77.3197021484375)
Route Type: Domestic
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