Loading map...
SFB → ROA
Which side of the plane to sit from Orlando Sanford International Airport (Sanford) to Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (Roanoke VA)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the rising Appalachian chain and the rolling foothills of the Carolinas, ending with a stunning mountain approach into the Roanoke Valley.
Lake George
View Florida's second-largest lake and the winding St. Johns River shortly after takeoff from Sanford.
Oconee National Forest
Extensive forest coverage across central Georgia providing a lush green landscape from cruising altitude.
Carolina Foothills
Glimpse the western edge of the Charlotte metro area and the beginning of the rolling mountain terrain.
Blue Ridge Escarpment
Observe the dramatic geographical rise where the flat Piedmont plateau meets the steep Appalachian Mountains.
Peaks of Otter
Look for these three iconic summits of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the final descent into Roanoke.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. The final 20 minutes of the flight are the most scenic as the plane crosses the Blue Ridge, so keep your window shade open during the descent into ROA.
Atlantic Coastline
Distant views of the Florida and Georgia coastline are often visible in the distance during the climb.
Savannah River Delta
Identify the wide, winding waterway that forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina.
Piedmont Farmlands
A beautiful patchwork of red-clay farms and suburban developments spanning across the Carolinas.
Smith Mountain Lake
One of Virginia's largest man-made lakes, easily identifiable by its jagged, branched shoreline south of the airport.
Mill Mountain
On the final approach from the south, look for the iconic 88-foot tall Roanoke Star atop Mill Mountain.
The right side is excellent for morning flights as it catches the early light over the Piedmont. Watch for Smith Mountain Lake on the final approach, which is a major local landmark typically visible out the right windows when landing from the south.
Distance: 958 km (595 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: SFB (28.7775993347168, -81.23750305175781)
Arrival: ROA (37.3255, -79.975403)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.