Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet over the North Atlantic, neither side has a dramatic advantage — you will see Greenland's ice sheet and possibly Iceland's coastline depending on exact routing, but these are roughly centered on the flight path. The left side's advantage at Berlin departure and Dulles arrival makes it the clear overall choice.
Flown BER to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Berlin to Washington is 4,192 miles (6,746 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route from Berlin to Dulles tracks northwest over Denmark and the North Sea, then across southern Norway or Scotland, out over the North Atlantic passing south of Iceland and south of Greenland's tip (Cape Farewell), then arcing southwest over Labrador and Quebec, crossing the St. Lawrence River, passing over upstate New York or Pennsylvania, and descending into the mid-Atlantic region. Key visible features at altitude include the Norwegian coastline fjords, the Greenland ice sheet edge on the northern horizon, Newfoundland's rocky coastline, and the broad St. Lawrence River valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BER
LEFTBER's main departure runway 25L sends aircraft westward, and the left (south) side gives you a clear view back over central Berlin as you climb out — the Spree river bends, Tempelhof field, and the urban grid are all visible before you turn northwest. The right side faces open Brandenburg farmland with little of interest.
Landing at IAD
LEFTDulles primarily uses runways 01L/R for northbound arrivals or 19L/R for southbound, but the dominant visual approach from the east puts the left side facing south toward the Potomac River, the National Mall corridor, and the Virginia suburbs. The right side faces north into generic suburban sprawl of Loudoun County.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Berlin to Washington. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet over the North Atlantic, neither side has a dramatic advantage — you will see Greenland's ice sheet and possibly Iceland's coastline depending on exact routing, but these are roughly centered on the flight path. The left side's advantage at Berlin departure and Dulles arrival makes it the clear overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
During takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Left side for the best views. BER's main departure runway 25L sends aircraft westward, and the left (south) side gives you a clear view back over central Berlin as you climb out — the Spree river bends, Tempelhof field, and the urban grid are all visible before you turn northwest. The right side faces open Brandenburg farmland with little of interest. Notable sights include: Tempelhof Airport (distinctive circular terminal visible from above), Spree river bends through central Berlin, Müggelsee lake to the southeast, Teltow Canal network.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles primarily uses runways 01L/R for northbound arrivals or 19L/R for southbound, but the dominant visual approach from the east puts the left side facing south toward the Potomac River, the National Mall corridor, and the Virginia suburbs. The right side faces north into generic suburban sprawl of Loudoun County. Notable sights include: Potomac River broad curves through Virginia and Maryland, Washington Monument and Capitol dome visible on clear days at distance, Blue Ridge Mountains on the western horizon, Dulles Access Road corridor leading straight to the terminal.
How long is the flight from Berlin to Washington?
The flight from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,192 miles (6,746 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Berlin to Washington flight path pass over?
The great circle route from Berlin to Dulles tracks northwest over Denmark and the North Sea, then across southern Norway or Scotland, out over the North Atlantic passing south of Iceland and south of Greenland's tip (Cape Farewell), then arcing southwest over Labrador and Quebec, crossing the St. Lawrence River, passing over upstate New York or Pennsylvania, and descending into the mid-Atlantic region. Key visible features at altitude include the Norwegian coastline fjords, the Greenland ice sheet edge on the northern horizon, Newfoundland's rocky coastline, and the broad St. Lawrence River valley.