The right side delivers a close-up of the Boston skyline right after takeoff and a clear view of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline on approach, giving two solid urban landmarks bookending an otherwise unremarkable short flight; the left side has only open water and flat suburban terrain throughout.
Flown BOS to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to Philadelphia is 279 miles (450 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Long Island Sound and the Connecticut/Rhode Island coastline, with New York City's skyline occasionally visible in the distance to the west depending on routing
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
RIGHTDeparting BOS on the southwest-aligned runway puts the Boston skyline and Charles River right outside the right-side windows during the initial climb, while the left side only shows open harbor water and the flat South Shore coastline receding quickly astern.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTPHL arrivals from the northeast typically land west on runway 27, crossing the Delaware River with Center City Philadelphia's skyline positioned to the north — visible from the right side — while the left side faces flat New Jersey suburbs with no distinguishing features.
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 General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to Philadelphia. The right side delivers a close-up of the Boston skyline right after takeoff and a clear view of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline on approach, giving two solid urban landmarks bookending an otherwise unremarkable short flight; the left side has only open water and flat suburban terrain throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
During takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BOS on the southwest-aligned runway puts the Boston skyline and Charles River right outside the right-side windows during the initial climb, while the left side only shows open harbor water and the flat South Shore coastline receding quickly astern. Notable sights include: Boston Back Bay and Downtown skyline, Charles River, Cambridge/MIT waterfront, Boston Harbor Islands in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. PHL arrivals from the northeast typically land west on runway 27, crossing the Delaware River with Center City Philadelphia's skyline positioned to the north — visible from the right side — while the left side faces flat New Jersey suburbs with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Philadelphia Center City skyline, Delaware River, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Camden waterfront.
How long is the flight from Boston to Philadelphia?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 279 miles (450 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
Long Island Sound and the Connecticut/Rhode Island coastline, with New York City's skyline occasionally visible in the distance to the west depending on routing