The right side captures Nashville's skyline and the Cumberland River on departure, and while it misses the best Charlotte approach views, the Nashville departure scenery is more dramatic and distinctive than the relatively flat Piedmont on approach. For the full flight, the right side also tracks closer to the Tennessee-North Carolina foothills as the route crosses into the Appalachian piedmont.
Flown BNA to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nashville to Charlotte is 328 miles (528 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The flight crosses the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Tennessee, with the dissected plateau terrain visible as deeply cut ridges and valleys. Crossing into North Carolina, the route passes over the Appalachian foothills and the Piedmont transition zone. Hickory and Morganton, NC are visible below on clear days as mid-sized cities in the western Piedmont. The Catawba River valley threads through this section, visible as a corridor of lakes including Lake James and Lake Hickory.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
RIGHTBNA's primary departure runway 31 sends aircraft northwest before turning east toward Charlotte. The right side picks up downtown Nashville's skyline and the Cumberland River as the aircraft climbs and banks. You'll also catch Percy Priest Lake to the southeast as the route establishes eastward.
Landing at CLT
LEFTCharlotte Douglas primarily uses runways 18C/36C and 18L/36L oriented north-south. Arrivals from the west on runway 36 approach from the south, putting the left side over uptown Charlotte's skyline and the Catawba River corridor. The left window gives a clear look at the city center as the aircraft descends through the final miles.
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 Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Charlotte. The right side captures Nashville's skyline and the Cumberland River on departure, and while it misses the best Charlotte approach views, the Nashville departure scenery is more dramatic and distinctive than the relatively flat Piedmont on approach. For the full flight, the right side also tracks closer to the Tennessee-North Carolina foothills as the route crosses into the Appalachian piedmont.
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. BNA's primary departure runway 31 sends aircraft northwest before turning east toward Charlotte. The right side picks up downtown Nashville's skyline and the Cumberland River as the aircraft climbs and banks. You'll also catch Percy Priest Lake to the southeast as the route establishes eastward. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River bends, Percy Priest Lake, Opryland/Grand Ole Opry complex near the river.
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Charlotte Douglas primarily uses runways 18C/36C and 18L/36L oriented north-south. Arrivals from the west on runway 36 approach from the south, putting the left side over uptown Charlotte's skyline and the Catawba River corridor. The left window gives a clear look at the city center as the aircraft descends through the final miles. Notable sights include: Uptown Charlotte skyline, Lake Norman to the north, Catawba River, Charlotte Motor Speedway visible to the northeast on clear days.
How long is the flight from Nashville to Charlotte?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 328 miles (528 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nashville to Charlotte flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Tennessee, with the dissected plateau terrain visible as deeply cut ridges and valleys. Crossing into North Carolina, the route passes over the Appalachian foothills and the Piedmont transition zone. Hickory and Morganton, NC are visible below on clear days as mid-sized cities in the western Piedmont. The Catawba River valley threads through this section, visible as a corridor of lakes including Lake James and Lake Hickory.