Atlanta to Richmond is 480 miles (773 km), a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Atlanta's skyline and Stone Mountain on departure, and the James River with Richmond's downtown on approach. During cruise over the Carolinas, the left side also has a slightly better angle on the Blue Ridge foothills as the route tracks northeast.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast over the Georgia and South Carolina Piedmont, crossing the Savannah River headwaters region, then over the Charlotte metro area or just west of it, before crossing into the Virginia Piedmont. The Blue Ridge escarpment is visible to the left (west) during the middle portion of the flight as a long ridgeline on the horizon. The Catawba and Yadkin river valleys are visible below as the aircraft crosses the Carolinas.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
LEFTATL's primary departure runway 26L/26R sends aircraft westward before turning northeast, putting the left side over downtown Atlanta's skyline and the Chattahoochee River corridor. As the aircraft banks northeast, the left side tracks over Stone Mountain and the northern Atlanta suburbs.
Landing at RIC
LEFTRIC's primary approach on runway 16 brings aircraft in from the north-northwest, so the left side looks east over the James River and its distinctive bends through Richmond. The left seat gets the downtown Richmond skyline and the James River rapids as the aircraft descends through final approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Richmond International (RIC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Richmond. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Atlanta's skyline and Stone Mountain on departure, and the James River with Richmond's downtown on approach. During cruise over the Carolinas, the left side also has a slightly better angle on the Blue Ridge foothills as the route tracks northeast.
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 runway 26L/26R sends aircraft westward before turning northeast, putting the left side over downtown Atlanta's skyline and the Chattahoochee River corridor. As the aircraft banks northeast, the left side tracks over Stone Mountain and the northern Atlanta suburbs. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Chattahoochee River, Stone Mountain (visible to the northeast as a distinctive granite dome), Lake Lanier in the far distance.
What can I see when landing at Richmond International in Richmond?
When landing at Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Left side for the best views. RIC's primary approach on runway 16 brings aircraft in from the north-northwest, so the left side looks east over the James River and its distinctive bends through Richmond. The left seat gets the downtown Richmond skyline and the James River rapids as the aircraft descends through final approach. Notable sights include: James River and its urban rapids, Downtown Richmond skyline, Richmond's historic Church Hill neighborhood, Interstate 95 corridor through the city.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Richmond?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Richmond International (RIC) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 480 miles (773 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Richmond flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Georgia and South Carolina Piedmont, crossing the Savannah River headwaters region, then over the Charlotte metro area or just west of it, before crossing into the Virginia Piedmont. The Blue Ridge escarpment is visible to the left (west) during the middle portion of the flight as a long ridgeline on the horizon. The Catawba and Yadkin river valleys are visible below as the aircraft crosses the Carolinas.