Loading map...
PHL → CHO
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (Charlottesville VA)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic views of the Philadelphia skyline during takeoff and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains during the approach into Charlottesville.
Philadelphia Skyline
Excellent views of Center City skyscrapers and the Schuylkill River if departing to the west.
Susquehanna River Crossing
A high-altitude view of the massive river as it cuts through the Pennsylvania and Maryland landscape.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Dramatic views of the long, blue-tinted ridges that define the Appalachian range as you approach Charlottesville.
Shenandoah National Park
The dense forests of the Shenandoah Valley and the famous Skyline Drive are visible on the western horizon.
Choose the right side for the most iconic landmarks. During evening flights, you will be treated to a sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains. On takeoff, this side usually provides the best angle of Philadelphia's 'City of Brotherly Love' skyline.
Delaware River & Waterfront
Aerial view of the industrial ports and the widening Delaware River immediately after departure.
Upper Chesapeake Bay
Glimpses of the northern reaches of the Chesapeake Bay where the Susquehanna River meets the tidewater.
Monticello
As the plane descends into CHO, look for Thomas Jefferson's historic estate perched on a hill just southeast of Charlottesville.
Virginia Piedmont
Expansive views of the rolling green hills and horse farms characteristic of central Virginia.
Sit on the left for softer morning light and a better chance to spot the historic Monticello estate during the final descent. This side is also better for viewing the coastal plain and the distant Maryland Eastern Shore if the sky is clear.
Distance: 338 km (210 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 34 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: CHO (38.13859939575195, -78.4529037475586)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.