While the Nashville takeoff from the right offers good river views, the Portland landing from the left provides the most distinctive and memorable scenery—Casco Bay's rocky islands and the Atlantic coastline are far more visually striking than the Tennessee landscape. The left side wins overall for this route.
Flown BNA to PWM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nashville to Portland is 1,009 miles (1,624 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
Appalachian Mountains (particularly visible over West Virginia and eastern Kentucky with ridgelines and valleys), Ohio River valley, Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania, Hudson River valley approaching New England, and the transition from deciduous forests to mixed conifer-deciduous forests as you move northeast into New England
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cumberland River winding through Nashville's downtown corridor and the surrounding Tennessee landscape as you climb out. The river's distinctive curves are clearly visible from altitude, and you'll see the city grid spreading eastward before transitioning to rolling terrain.
Landing at PWM
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the New England coastline as you approach Portland. You'll see Casco Bay's islands and inlets, the rocky Maine coast, and the transition from open Atlantic to the Portland area. This is the most visually distinctive feature of the approach.
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 Portland International Jetport (PWM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Portland. While the Nashville takeoff from the right offers good river views, the Portland landing from the left provides the most distinctive and memorable scenery—Casco Bay's rocky islands and the Atlantic coastline are far more visually striking than the Tennessee landscape. The left side wins overall for this route.
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 offer views of the Cumberland River winding through Nashville's downtown corridor and the surrounding Tennessee landscape as you climb out. The river's distinctive curves are clearly visible from altitude, and you'll see the city grid spreading eastward before transitioning to rolling terrain. Notable sights include: Cumberland River, Nashville downtown skyline, Tennessee rolling hills and farmland, I-40 corridor heading northeast.
What can I see when landing at Portland International Jetport in Portland?
When landing at Portland International Jetport (PWM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the New England coastline as you approach Portland. You'll see Casco Bay's islands and inlets, the rocky Maine coast, and the transition from open Atlantic to the Portland area. This is the most visually distinctive feature of the approach. Notable sights include: Casco Bay with its islands and rocky coastline, Atlantic Ocean, Portland harbor and waterfront, New England forested terrain.
How long is the flight from Nashville to Portland?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Portland International Jetport (PWM) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,009 miles (1,624 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nashville to Portland flight path pass over?
Appalachian Mountains (particularly visible over West Virginia and eastern Kentucky with ridgelines and valleys), Ohio River valley, Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania, Hudson River valley approaching New England, and the transition from deciduous forests to mixed conifer-deciduous forests as you move northeast into New England