Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise phase heading southwest, the left side also faces more toward the Mississippi River crossing near Memphis and the varied terrain of the Ouachita foothills in Arkansas, while the right side looks toward open farmland. Left is the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown BNA to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nashville to Houston is 656 miles (1,057 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight crosses the Tennessee River valley west of Nashville, then the Mississippi River near Memphis or slightly south, followed by the flat Delta agricultural lands of Arkansas and Louisiana. The Ouachita Mountains appear as low rolling ridges in central Arkansas. East Texas pine forests and the Trinity River basin are visible before the Houston metro sprawl begins. The terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling throughout, with the Mississippi River crossing being the single most visually distinctive geographic feature of the cruise phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
LEFTBNA's primary departure runway 31 sends aircraft northwest before turning southwest toward Houston. The left side faces south and east, giving views back over downtown Nashville's skyline and the Cumberland River as the aircraft climbs and banks. The right side looks toward the less distinctive northern suburbs.
Landing at IAH
LEFTIAH's typical southwest arrival paths on runways 26L/26R bring aircraft in from the northeast, putting the left side facing southeast toward downtown Houston's distinctive skyline as you descend. The right side faces northwest toward open suburban sprawl with fewer distinguishing features.
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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 George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Houston. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise phase heading southwest, the left side also faces more toward the Mississippi River crossing near Memphis and the varied terrain of the Ouachita foothills in Arkansas, while the right side looks toward open farmland. Left is the clear choice 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's primary departure runway 31 sends aircraft northwest before turning southwest toward Houston. The left side faces south and east, giving views back over downtown Nashville's skyline and the Cumberland River as the aircraft climbs and banks. The right side looks toward the less distinctive northern suburbs. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline and Cumberland River bend, Percy Priest Lake to the southeast, Old Hickory Lake to the northeast, Radnor Lake State Park area.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH's typical southwest arrival paths on runways 26L/26R bring aircraft in from the northeast, putting the left side facing southeast toward downtown Houston's distinctive skyline as you descend. The right side faces northwest toward open suburban sprawl with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Lake Houston to the northeast, the Ship Channel industrial corridor, Bush Intercontinental Airport's distinctive circular terminal layout.
How long is the flight from Nashville to Houston?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 656 miles (1,057 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nashville to Houston flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Tennessee River valley west of Nashville, then the Mississippi River near Memphis or slightly south, followed by the flat Delta agricultural lands of Arkansas and Louisiana. The Ouachita Mountains appear as low rolling ridges in central Arkansas. East Texas pine forests and the Trinity River basin are visible before the Houston metro sprawl begins. The terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling throughout, with the Mississippi River crossing being the single most visually distinctive geographic feature of the cruise phase.