About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dublin (DUB) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dublin to Washington. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely ocean regardless of side, but the left seat delivers Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains on departure and the Potomac River corridor and Washington DC on approach — the two most visually rewarding moments of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Dublin in Dublin?
During takeoff from Dublin (DUB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dublin typically departs westward on runway 28, then turns north over the Irish Sea. Left-side seats get a clear view back over Dublin Bay, the Liffey estuary, and the Wicklow Mountains to the south. The city center and port are distinctly visible before the aircraft heads out over open water. Notable sights include: Dublin Bay and Poolbeg Lighthouse, the Liffey estuary and Dublin Port, Wicklow Mountains to the south, Howth Head peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically lands on runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on wind. On the more common northbound approach (runway 01), aircraft track over the Virginia suburbs from the south, and left-side seats look east toward Washington DC's skyline, the Potomac River, and the Capitol dome visible in the distance. The right side faces rural Virginia with little of note. Notable sights include: Potomac River winding toward DC, Washington DC skyline and Capitol dome on the distant horizon, Tysons Corner urban cluster, Shenandoah Valley ridgelines to the west visible from right side.
How long is the flight from Dublin to Washington?
The flight from Dublin (DUB) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes Approximately 8 to 8.5 hours westbound.
What does the Dublin to Washington flight path pass over?
The flight tracks a great circle route over the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland's tip and over the Labrador Sea. Southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjord coastline may be faintly visible on clear days far to the north. The route then crosses Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, where the Canadian Maritime coastline and the Gulf of St. Lawrence are visible before the aircraft descends over New England and the Mid-Atlantic states toward Virginia.