Charlotte to Albany is 646 miles (1,040 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Left side wins both takeoff and landing. During the cruise portion heading northeast, the left side also tracks closer to the Blue Ridge and Appalachian ridgelines through Virginia and Maryland before the Hudson Valley approach, offering more terrain interest throughout the flight.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast over the Virginia Piedmont, crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley in central Virginia, then over the Appalachian ridges of Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. The Delaware River valley and New Jersey highlands appear in the final third before the descent into the Hudson Valley corridor approaching Albany.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLT
LEFTCharlotte Douglas primarily departs northeast on runway 18C/36C or 18L/36L. Departing northeast, the left (west-northwest) side gives you a clear view back over Charlotte's uptown skyline and the Piedmont plateau. The right side faces open suburban sprawl with less visual interest.
Landing at ALB
LEFTAlbany International typically lands from the south or southeast on runway 01/19. On approach from the south, the left side faces east toward the Hudson River valley, giving clear views of the river itself and the Catskill Mountains rising to the west across the river. The right side looks west over flat farmland.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Albany International (ALB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to Albany. Left side wins both takeoff and landing. During the cruise portion heading northeast, the left side also tracks closer to the Blue Ridge and Appalachian ridgelines through Virginia and Maryland before the Hudson Valley approach, offering more terrain interest throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
During takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Charlotte Douglas primarily departs northeast on runway 18C/36C or 18L/36L. Departing northeast, the left (west-northwest) side gives you a clear view back over Charlotte's uptown skyline and the Piedmont plateau. The right side faces open suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Charlotte uptown skyline, Lake Norman to the northwest, Catawba River corridor, Piedmont plateau terrain.
What can I see when landing at Albany International in Albany?
When landing at Albany International (ALB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Albany International typically lands from the south or southeast on runway 01/19. On approach from the south, the left side faces east toward the Hudson River valley, giving clear views of the river itself and the Catskill Mountains rising to the west across the river. The right side looks west over flat farmland. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Catskill Mountains on the western horizon, Albany city center along the river, Adirondack foothills to the north.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to Albany?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Albany International (ALB) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 646 miles (1,040 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charlotte to Albany flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Virginia Piedmont, crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley in central Virginia, then over the Appalachian ridges of Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. The Delaware River valley and New Jersey highlands appear in the final third before the descent into the Hudson Valley corridor approaching Albany.