While the Atlanta skyline offers a nice moment during takeoff, the coastal lowcountry scenery on approach into Charleston — river, harbor, and marshland — provides more sustained and distinctive visual interest, giving the right side the edge overall.
Flown ATL to CHS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Charleston is 259 miles (416 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Flat Piedmont farmland of central Georgia transitioning into the Savannah River valley near Augusta, then the sandy coastal plain of South Carolina's lowcountry as the route approaches Charleston.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
LEFTDeparting ATL to the east, the aircraft's initial climb puts downtown Atlanta's skyline off the north-facing left side, giving a brief but recognizable urban view before the flat Piedmont farmland takes over. The right side only shows the airport's southern industrial sprawl and open countryside.
Landing at CHS
RIGHTOn final approach into CHS, the right side (facing southwest) overlooks the Ashley River, historic Charleston peninsula, and the marshy barrier islands near the harbor mouth. This coastal lowcountry scenery is the most distinctive visual feature of the entire route.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Charleston Afb International (CHS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Charleston. While the Atlanta skyline offers a nice moment during takeoff, the coastal lowcountry scenery on approach into Charleston — river, harbor, and marshland — provides more sustained and distinctive visual interest, giving the right side the edge overall.
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. Departing ATL to the east, the aircraft's initial climb puts downtown Atlanta's skyline off the north-facing left side, giving a brief but recognizable urban view before the flat Piedmont farmland takes over. The right side only shows the airport's southern industrial sprawl and open countryside. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Hartsfield-Jackson terminal complex, Piedmont farmland patchwork.
What can I see when landing at Charleston Afb International in Charleston?
When landing at Charleston Afb International (CHS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into CHS, the right side (facing southwest) overlooks the Ashley River, historic Charleston peninsula, and the marshy barrier islands near the harbor mouth. This coastal lowcountry scenery is the most distinctive visual feature of the entire route. Notable sights include: Ashley River, Charleston Harbor, historic Charleston peninsula, coastal marshland and barrier islands.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Charleston?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Charleston Afb International (CHS) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 259 miles (416 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Charleston flight path pass over?
Flat Piedmont farmland of central Georgia transitioning into the Savannah River valley near Augusta, then the sandy coastal plain of South Carolina's lowcountry as the route approaches Charleston.