About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Nashville International (BNA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Nashville. The left side wins both ends of this short flight. During the roughly 45-minute cruise at altitude, the left side also tracks closer to the Tennessee River valley terrain and the southern Cumberland Plateau ridgelines as the aircraft heads northwest, giving a better view of the rolling forested landscape compared to the flatter terrain visible on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
During takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Left side for the best views. ATL's primary departure runways (8L/8R heading east, or 27L/27R heading west) mean a left-side seat on a northbound departure gives you a view over downtown Atlanta's skyline as the aircraft turns northwest toward Nashville. You can clearly see the cluster of Midtown and Downtown skyscrapers, Stone Mountain to the east, and the sprawling interchange of I-285 and I-75/85. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain (visible to the northeast as a distinctive granite dome), Hartsfield-Jackson airport complex itself, I-285 perimeter highway loop.
What can I see when landing at Nashville International in Nashville?
When landing at Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. BNA's primary landing runways (2L/2R or 20L/20R) on a southerly approach bring the aircraft in from the north, putting the left side over the Cumberland River and downtown Nashville's skyline. The Broadway district and the distinctive AT&T Building (Batman Building) are clearly identifiable from final approach. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline including the AT&T 'Batman' Building, Cumberland River bend through downtown, Nissan Stadium on the east bank of the Cumberland, Percy Priest Lake to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Nashville?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Nashville International (BNA) takes Approximately 45-55 minutes.
What does the Atlanta to Nashville flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, with its characteristic flat-topped forested ridges and narrow valleys visible below. Chattanooga lies well to the east and is not directly overflown. The Tennessee River drainage basin defines much of the terrain. Small reservoirs from TVA dams are occasionally visible as bright reflective patches in the forested landscape below.