While takeoff from BWI favors the right, the landing approach into RDU from the north provides superior views of the Research Triangle region's geography and urban layout. The left side captures the Neuse River valley, the three-city corridor, and the Piedmont-to-Coastal Plain transition that defines central North Carolina.
Flown BWI to RDU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Raleigh-Durham is 256 miles (411 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Virginia Piedmont, passing east of the Blue Ridge Mountains (visible as a distant ridge on the western horizon during cruise). Notable features include the Roanoke River valley in southern Virginia, the transition from forested Piedmont to more open agricultural areas in north-central North Carolina, and the gradual flattening of terrain as the aircraft descends toward the Coastal Plain near RDU. On clear days, Kerr Lake (Buggs Island) may be visible as a large blue reservoir in the southern Virginia section of the route.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTBWI typically departs runways 10L/10R or 1L/1R depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of the Patapsco River estuary and Chesapeake Bay approaches during northbound climbs, while westbound departures show the Baltimore metropolitan area and surrounding Piedmont terrain.
Landing at RDU
LEFTRDU uses runways 5L/5R or 23L/23R. Left-side seats on approach from the north show the Research Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), the Neuse River valley, and the transition from Piedmont to Coastal Plain terrain. This provides better views of the region's geography and urban layout.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Raleigh-Durham. While takeoff from BWI favors the right, the landing approach into RDU from the north provides superior views of the Research Triangle region's geography and urban layout. The left side captures the Neuse River valley, the three-city corridor, and the Piedmont-to-Coastal Plain transition that defines central North Carolina.
What can I see during takeoff from Baltimore Washington International in Baltimore?
During takeoff from Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Right side for the best views. BWI typically departs runways 10L/10R or 1L/1R depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of the Patapsco River estuary and Chesapeake Bay approaches during northbound climbs, while westbound departures show the Baltimore metropolitan area and surrounding Piedmont terrain. Notable sights include: Patapsco River estuary, Chesapeake Bay (northern reaches), Baltimore inner harbor and downtown skyline, Dundalk industrial area to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. RDU uses runways 5L/5R or 23L/23R. Left-side seats on approach from the north show the Research Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), the Neuse River valley, and the transition from Piedmont to Coastal Plain terrain. This provides better views of the region's geography and urban layout. Notable sights include: Neuse River valley and floodplain, Research Triangle urban corridor (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill), Jordan Lake reservoir (if visible on southern approaches), Piedmont rolling terrain transitioning to flatter Coastal Plain.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 256 miles (411 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Virginia Piedmont, passing east of the Blue Ridge Mountains (visible as a distant ridge on the western horizon during cruise). Notable features include the Roanoke River valley in southern Virginia, the transition from forested Piedmont to more open agricultural areas in north-central North Carolina, and the gradual flattening of terrain as the aircraft descends toward the Coastal Plain near RDU. On clear days, Kerr Lake (Buggs Island) may be visible as a large blue reservoir in the southern Virginia section of the route.