While takeoff offers good Nashville river views, the landing approach into Buffalo provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—Lake Erie's massive expanse and the Niagara River are visually striking and occupy most of the descent. The lake views outweigh the takeoff advantage.
Flown BNA to BUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nashville to Buffalo is 633 miles (1,018 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible around the midpoint, roughly 1 hour into flight), the rolling terrain of southeastern Ohio, and the transition into the flatter glaciated landscape of northern Ohio and western New York. The terrain gradually flattens as you approach Lake Erie.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
RIGHTRight side captures the Cumberland River winding through Nashville and the city's downtown skyline as you climb out. The river's distinctive curves and the urban grid are clearly visible during the initial climb northeast.
Landing at BUF
LEFTLeft side offers views of Lake Erie and the Niagara River as you descend into Buffalo from the west. The lake's vast expanse and the river's distinctive narrow channel are prominent on approach, with the city appearing along the southern shore.
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 Nashville International (BNA) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Buffalo. While takeoff offers good Nashville river views, the landing approach into Buffalo provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—Lake Erie's massive expanse and the Niagara River are visually striking and occupy most of the descent. The lake views outweigh the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Nashville International in Nashville?
During takeoff from Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Cumberland River winding through Nashville and the city's downtown skyline as you climb out. The river's distinctive curves and the urban grid are clearly visible during the initial climb northeast. Notable sights include: Cumberland River, Nashville downtown skyline, Percy Priest Lake (southeast), Tennessee rolling hills.
What can I see when landing at Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
When landing at Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Lake Erie and the Niagara River as you descend into Buffalo from the west. The lake's vast expanse and the river's distinctive narrow channel are prominent on approach, with the city appearing along the southern shore. Notable sights include: Lake Erie, Niagara River, Buffalo waterfront, Niagara Escarpment (distant).
How long is the flight from Nashville to Buffalo?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 633 miles (1,018 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nashville to Buffalo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible around the midpoint, roughly 1 hour into flight), the rolling terrain of southeastern Ohio, and the transition into the flatter glaciated landscape of northern Ohio and western New York. The terrain gradually flattens as you approach Lake Erie.