While the left side wins at takeoff for Nashville views, the right side delivers the better overall experience. It picks up the Tennessee River valley and northern Alabama ridgelines during cruise, and then delivers the Atlanta skyline head-on during the approach. The Stone Mountain landmark and the sprawling Atlanta metro on final make the right side the stronger seat for the full journey.
Flight Path
The flight tracks roughly south-southeast over the Tennessee-Alabama border region. Visible features include the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau and its escarpment edges, the broad Tennessee River valley near Huntsville Alabama, the low ridges of the southern Appalachian foothills in northern Georgia, and the transition from forested ridgelines to the flat Piedmont as you descend toward Atlanta.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
LEFTBNA typically departs southeast on runway 2L/2C, so the left side faces east toward downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River as you climb out. You get a clear look at the Nashville skyline and the river bends before turning south.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTATL predominantly lands from the east on runways 26L/26R/27L/27R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east heading west. The right side faces north toward downtown Atlanta, giving you a direct view of the city skyline on final approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nashville International (BNA) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Atlanta. While the left side wins at takeoff for Nashville views, the right side delivers the better overall experience. It picks up the Tennessee River valley and northern Alabama ridgelines during cruise, and then delivers the Atlanta skyline head-on during the approach. The Stone Mountain landmark and the sprawling Atlanta metro on final make the right side the stronger seat for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Nashville International in Nashville?
During takeoff from Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. BNA typically departs southeast on runway 2L/2C, so the left side faces east toward downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River as you climb out. You get a clear look at the Nashville skyline and the river bends before turning south. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River bends, Percy Priest Lake to the southeast, Nissan Stadium.
What can I see when landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
When landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. ATL predominantly lands from the east on runways 26L/26R/27L/27R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east heading west. The right side faces north toward downtown Atlanta, giving you a direct view of the city skyline on final approach. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain to the northeast, Lake Allatoona to the northwest, I-285 perimeter highway loop.
How long is the flight from Nashville to Atlanta?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.
What does the Nashville to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southeast over the Tennessee-Alabama border region. Visible features include the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau and its escarpment edges, the broad Tennessee River valley near Huntsville Alabama, the low ridges of the southern Appalachian foothills in northern Georgia, and the transition from forested ridgelines to the flat Piedmont as you descend toward Atlanta.