Loading map...
SDF → DCA
Which side of the plane to sit from Louisville International Standiford Field (Louisville) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior primarily for the iconic 'River Visual' approach into DCA, which provides a direct, close-up view of the National Mall, monuments, and the White House when landing to the south.
Search flights from SDF to DCA
Louisville Skyline
Aerial view of downtown Louisville and the Ohio River bridges immediately after takeoff from SDF.
Bluegrass Country
The rolling limestone hills and patchwork horse farms of central Kentucky near Lexington.
Allegheny Mountains
The dense, ridged terrain of the West Virginia Appalachians stretching toward the horizon.
The National Mall
Unparalleled views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol during the final descent.
The White House
A rare top-down perspective of the executive mansion and the Ellipse just seconds before touchdown.
To capture the monuments, check the wind; the 'River Visual' approach into Runway 19 (landing south) is most common. Sit mid-cabin or forward to avoid wing obstruction. Afternoon flights provide the best lighting on the monuments, while night flights offer a stunningly lit cityscape of the District.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Monongahela National Forest
Vast stretches of deep green forest and high-altitude plateaus in eastern West Virginia.
Shenandoah Valley
The wide, fertile valley floor located between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The hazy, rolling peaks of the eastern Appalachian front crossing into Virginia.
The Pentagon
A clear view of the massive five-sided Department of Defense headquarters on the Virginia side of the Potomac.
Old Town Alexandria
The historic colonial-era waterfront and the Masonic National Memorial standing above the city.
The right side is best if the plane lands heading north on Runway 1 (the 'Mount Vernon' approach), offering views of the Mall from the opposite direction. It also provides a better view of the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetery during the standard southerly landing pattern. Watch for the dramatic Potomac River bends as the pilot maneuvers into the airport.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 760 km (472 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 16 min
Departure: SDF (38.1744, -85.736)
Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.