While the DCA departure offers a quick, iconic glimpse of the Mall, the EWR arrival's Manhattan skyline and harbor view is a longer, more dramatic sequence, giving the right side the edge for this short flight.
Flown DCA to EWR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Newark is 198 miles (319 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Chesapeake Bay's northern reaches, the Susquehanna River mouth, and the Delaware River valley near Wilmington are visible below during the brief cruise segment.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DCA
LEFTDeparting DCA on Runway 01, the initial climb and turn track directly over the Potomac, giving a brief but clear look at the National Mall, Washington Monument, and Capitol dome on the left side before the turn north. The right side shows mostly Anacostia neighborhoods and flat suburban Maryland.
Landing at EWR
RIGHTOn approach into EWR from the south, the descent path typically swings east of Staten Island before turning onto final for Runway 4R, putting the Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, and Upper Bay squarely on the right side. The left side during this phase shows mostly New Jersey industrial flats and the Turnpike corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Newark. While the DCA departure offers a quick, iconic glimpse of the Mall, the EWR arrival's Manhattan skyline and harbor view is a longer, more dramatic sequence, giving the right side the edge for this short flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DCA on Runway 01, the initial climb and turn track directly over the Potomac, giving a brief but clear look at the National Mall, Washington Monument, and Capitol dome on the left side before the turn north. The right side shows mostly Anacostia neighborhoods and flat suburban Maryland. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, National Mall.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into EWR from the south, the descent path typically swings east of Staten Island before turning onto final for Runway 4R, putting the Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, and Upper Bay squarely on the right side. The left side during this phase shows mostly New Jersey industrial flats and the Turnpike corridor. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Upper New York Bay, Statue of Liberty.
How long is the flight from Washington to Newark?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 198 miles (319 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Newark flight path pass over?
Chesapeake Bay's northern reaches, the Susquehanna River mouth, and the Delaware River valley near Wilmington are visible below during the brief cruise segment.