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ROA → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (Roanoke VA) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge crest and the Shenandoah National Park wilderness as the aircraft tracks north-northeast.
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Blue Ridge Parkway
The famous scenic roadway winding along the highest elevations of the mountain range.
Peaks of Otter
A set of three iconic, sharp mountain peaks visible just north of Roanoke shortly after departure.
Shenandoah National Park
The high-altitude wilderness area featuring the famous Skyline Drive traversing the mountain tops.
Northern Virginia Horse Country
Lush, rolling green pastures and grand estates as the flight descends into the Piedmont region.
Dulles Main Terminal
A view of the iconic Eero Saarinen-designed terminal as the aircraft maneuvers for landing.
Morning flights are best on the right side to catch the sun hitting the eastern slopes. This side provides consistent views of the highest mountain crests for the duration of the flight. Sit behind the wing for unobstructed ground views.
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Jefferson National Forest
Dense, rugged woodland ridges that dominate the landscape immediately after takeoff from Roanoke.
Shenandoah Valley
The broad, agricultural valley floor featuring a patchwork of farms and historic small towns.
Massanutten Mountain
A unique, 50-mile long mountain ridge that sits isolated in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley.
George Washington National Forest
Infinite layers of blue-tinted Appalachian ridges extending westward toward the horizon.
Choose the left side for sunset flights to witness the light dipping behind the western ridges. Look for the distinct 'kink' in the Massanutten ridge about halfway through the journey.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 285 km (177 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 29 min
Departure: ROA (37.3255, -79.975403)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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