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IAD → ROA
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (Roanoke VA)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the Shenandoah National Park and the spectacular 'ridge and valley' geography of the Appalachian Mountains.
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Skyline Drive
The winding scenic highway that traverses the crest of Shenandoah National Park is clearly visible on clear days.
Shenandoah National Park
Continuous views of the high peaks of the Blue Ridge, often shrouded in the characteristic blue haze.
Massanutten Mountain
A unique, isolated mountain ridge located within the Shenandoah Valley, known for its distinct syncline shape.
The Shenandoah Valley
The patchwork of agricultural fields and small towns nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies.
George Washington Forest
Dense, uninterrupted forest canopy covering the rugged terrain to the west of the flight path.
Choose the right side for the most dramatic mountain scenery. For evening flights, the sunset over the Appalachian ridges creates a stunning silhouette. Keep your camera ready as the flight is very short (under 50 minutes).
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Bull Run Mountains
The first set of prominent ridges visible shortly after takeoff from Dulles, marking the start of the Virginia Piedmont.
Virginia Horse Country
Expansive views of the rolling green estates and horse farms of Middleburg and Fauquier County.
Charlottesville Foothills
Scenic vistas of the undulating terrain surrounding the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.
Blue Ridge Slope
A close-up view of the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge as the plane parallels the range toward Roanoke.
Sit on the left during morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is excellent for seeing the transition from the urban sprawl of Northern Virginia to the rural character of the Piedmont.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 285 km (177 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 29 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: ROA (37.3255, -79.975403)
Route Type: Domestic
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