Left seats dominate the landing experience with superior views of the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view is more dramatic and geographically distinctive, making left the better overall choice for this route.
Flown DCA to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Montreal is 487 miles (784 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (particularly visible around the Pennsylvania-New York border), the Hudson River valley near Albany, and Lake Champlain between Vermont and New York. The Adirondack Mountains appear to the east around mid-flight. Clear days offer views of the Green Mountains of Vermont and the beginning of the Laurentian range as you approach Montreal.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DCA
RIGHTDCA typically departs runway 01 or 19 depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of the Potomac River's northern bend and Arlington, Virginia immediately after liftoff. Left seats see only the industrial areas west of the airport.
Landing at YUL
LEFTApproaching YUL typically uses runway 06 or 24. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the St. Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains to the north, and the approach path over Montreal's northern suburbs. Right seats see only industrial areas and the airport's eastern perimeter.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Montreal. Left seats dominate the landing experience with superior views of the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view is more dramatic and geographically distinctive, making left the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. DCA typically departs runway 01 or 19 depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of the Potomac River's northern bend and Arlington, Virginia immediately after liftoff. Left seats see only the industrial areas west of the airport. Notable sights include: Potomac River (north and east), Arlington National Cemetery grounds, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Key Bridge spanning the Potomac.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching YUL typically uses runway 06 or 24. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the St. Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains to the north, and the approach path over Montreal's northern suburbs. Right seats see only industrial areas and the airport's eastern perimeter. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (south and west of airport), Laurentian Mountains (north, appearing as low ridges on horizon), Montreal city sprawl (southwest), Île Perrot (visible in river to the southwest).
How long is the flight from Washington to Montreal?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 487 miles (784 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (particularly visible around the Pennsylvania-New York border), the Hudson River valley near Albany, and Lake Champlain between Vermont and New York. The Adirondack Mountains appear to the east around mid-flight. Clear days offer views of the Green Mountains of Vermont and the beginning of the Laurentian range as you approach Montreal.