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PIT → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Pittsburgh International Airport (Pittsburgh) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic views of the Pittsburgh skyline shortly after takeoff and a superior angle for observing the winding Potomac River and the approach into Northern Virginia.
Search flights from PIT to IAD
Pittsburgh Skyline
Aerial view of the Golden Triangle where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio.
Allegheny Mountains
Continuous ridges of the Appalachian chain stretching across the horizon in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Potomac River Bends
Dramatic S-curves of the river forming the natural border between Maryland and West Virginia.
Frederick Valley
Lush agricultural landscapes and historic farmsteads of central Maryland during the descent.
Dulles Architecture
Clear view of the historic Eero Saarinen-designed main terminal when landing from the north.
For the best experience, book an early morning flight to have the sun behind you. If the plane departs to the East, the left side provides the premier view of downtown Pittsburgh. Keep your camera ready within the first 5 minutes and the last 10 minutes of this very short flight.
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Mon Valley
Industrial heritage sites and river towns south of Pittsburgh along the Monongahela River.
Laurel Highlands
Dense forest cover and high elevation ridges including the vicinity of Ohiopyle State Park.
Deep Creek Lake
The largest inland body of water in Maryland visible nestled among the mountain ridges.
Shenandoah Peaks
Distant views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the northern entrance to Shenandoah National Park.
Virginia Horse Country
The sprawling estates, vineyards, and equestrian farms of Loudoun County just before touchdown.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights as the sun illuminates the Appalachian ridges to the west. This side offers a great perspective of the transition from rugged mountains to the rolling Piedmont hills of Virginia. Look for the expansive reservoir systems in the Maryland panhandle mid-flight.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 293 km (182 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 29 min
Departure: PIT (40.49150085, -80.23290253)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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