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RIC → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Richmond International Airport (Richmond) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Potomac River and the scenic transitions from the coastal plain to the bustling Northern Virginia suburbs.
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The Potomac River
Follow the wide, winding path of the river that separates Virginia from Maryland for the majority of the flight.
Quantico Marine Base
Look for the distinctive airfield and training grounds of the Marine Corps base situated along the riverbanks.
Occoquan Reservoir
Spot the large, branching blue body of water that serves as a scenic boundary between Prince William and Fairfax counties.
Udvar-Hazy Center
On the final approach to Dulles, you may see the massive silver hangars of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
The right side is ideal for spotting water features. Morning flights are preferred to avoid the sun being directly in your eyes. Watch for the dramatic change in housing density as you cross from rural Stafford County into the densely packed suburbs of Northern Virginia.
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Richmond Skyline
Catch a quick glimpse of the Virginia state capital and the historic Fan District immediately after takeoff.
Kings Dominion
As you head north over Doswell, look for the tall drop towers and the Eiffel Tower replica of this major theme park.
Virginia Piedmont
Observe the rolling green hills and dense forest canopies characteristic of central Virginia's interior.
Manassas Battlefield
View the sprawling historic site of Bull Run just before the final descent into the Dulles corridor.
Sit on the left for the best perspective of Richmond's urban core during the initial climb. For photography, late afternoon flights offer the best lighting as the sun sets to the west, illuminating the Piedmont landscape without harsh glare.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 160 km (99 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 16 min
Departure: RIC (37.50519943237305, -77.3197021484375)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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