Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River is more visually distinctive and memorable than the landing view. The landing view on the left is good but less dramatic than the river and city skyline on departure.
Flown BNA to ORF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nashville to Norfolk is 584 miles (940 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of eastern Tennessee and western Virginia. Notable features include the ridgelines of the Cumberland Plateau (visible to the left/north during cruise), the Holston River valley in East Tennessee, and the New River gorge area in southern West Virginia (visible as a deep valley cutting through forested terrain). The Shenandoah Valley appears on the left side during the latter half of cruise, with its distinctive north-south orientation and ridge-and-valley topography. The Blue Ridge Mountains form a distant horizon feature to the left (east) for much of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Cumberland River winding through downtown Nashville and the city's skyline during initial climb. The river's distinctive curves and the downtown core are clearly visible within the first 2-3 minutes of departure, regardless of runway direction.
Landing at ORF
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the James River estuary and Hampton Roads waterfront during descent into Norfolk. The water body is extensive and visually striking, and the approach typically brings it into view on the left side during final descent.
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 Norfolk International (ORF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Norfolk. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River is more visually distinctive and memorable than the landing view. The landing view on the left is good but less dramatic than the river and city skyline on departure.
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 seats capture the Cumberland River winding through downtown Nashville and the city's skyline during initial climb. The river's distinctive curves and the downtown core are clearly visible within the first 2-3 minutes of departure, regardless of runway direction. Notable sights include: Cumberland River (downtown Nashville bend), Nashville skyline and Broadway district, Percy Priest Lake (southeast of airport), Tennessee hills rising to the east.
What can I see when landing at Norfolk International in Norfolk?
When landing at Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the James River estuary and Hampton Roads waterfront during descent into Norfolk. The water body is extensive and visually striking, and the approach typically brings it into view on the left side during final descent. Notable sights include: James River estuary and Hampton Roads, Newport News shipyard area (visible as industrial waterfront), Eastern Shore barrier islands and marshlands, Chesapeake Bay opening to the Atlantic.
How long is the flight from Nashville to Norfolk?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Norfolk International (ORF) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 584 miles (940 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nashville to Norfolk flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of eastern Tennessee and western Virginia. Notable features include the ridgelines of the Cumberland Plateau (visible to the left/north during cruise), the Holston River valley in East Tennessee, and the New River gorge area in southern West Virginia (visible as a deep valley cutting through forested terrain). The Shenandoah Valley appears on the left side during the latter half of cruise, with its distinctive north-south orientation and ridge-and-valley topography. The Blue Ridge Mountains form a distant horizon feature to the left (east) for much of the flight.