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IAH → RIC
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Richmond International Airport (Richmond)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a more dramatic approach into Richmond, following the winding James River, and offers better views of the Gulf coastline early in the flight.
Search flights from IAH to RIC
Houston Ship Channel
Catch the sprawling industrial landscape and heavy shipping traffic near Galveston Bay shortly after takeoff.
Atlanta Metro Area
Fly past the dense urban centers and the massive suburban sprawl of the Georgia capital from a high altitude.
Piedmont Plateau
See the rolling hills and red clay soil characteristic of the transition zone between the mountains and the coast.
The James River
The iconic river provides a perfect navigational landmark, leading the aircraft directly into the Richmond metro area.
Choose this side for late afternoon flights to enjoy the golden hour light reflecting off the James River. During the final approach, look for the Richmond city skyline and the rocky rapids near the fall line.
Book Hotels in RichmondMississippi River Crossing
View the massive bends and oxbow lakes where the river snakes between the borders of Mississippi and Arkansas.
Appalachian Ridges
Observe the unique geological folds and parallel ridges of the mountains as the flight enters Virginia airspace.
National Forests
See the vast stretches of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests during the descent phase.
Northern Suburbs
Spot the historic estates and lush greenery of the northern Richmond suburbs and Henrico County area.
Sit toward the front of the cabin to avoid engine heat haze. This side is preferred for morning flights to avoid direct southern sun glare while viewing the mountain textures.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,860 km (1,156 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 29 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: RIC (37.50519943237305, -77.3197021484375)
Route Type: Domestic
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