While the left side has a strong departure with Manhattan views, the right side delivers the iconic low-altitude Potomac River approach into DCA with the National Mall monuments at close range — one of the most visually spectacular arrivals in commercial aviation. The right side also tracks the Delaware River and Maryland's western shore during the cruise portion.
Flown EWR to DCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Washington is 198 miles (319 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly southwest over central New Jersey, crossing the Delaware River near Trenton, then over northern Delaware and the northern Chesapeake Bay region. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal crossing is visible at altitude. Over Maryland, the flat coastal plain gives way to the slightly rolling terrain of the Piedmont as the aircraft begins descent toward the Potomac.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTEWR's primary departure runway 22L sends aircraft southwest over New Jersey, and the left side faces southeast toward New York Harbor, Lower Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty. As the aircraft climbs and turns south, the left side tracks the New Jersey coastline and the Hudson River mouth.
Landing at DCA
RIGHTDCA's primary approach on runway 19 brings aircraft in from the north along the Potomac River, and the right side faces west toward the river itself, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the National Mall. This is one of the most iconic low-altitude urban approaches in the US, with the entire monumental core of DC visible at close range.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Washington. While the left side has a strong departure with Manhattan views, the right side delivers the iconic low-altitude Potomac River approach into DCA with the National Mall monuments at close range — one of the most visually spectacular arrivals in commercial aviation. The right side also tracks the Delaware River and Maryland's western shore during the cruise portion.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR's primary departure runway 22L sends aircraft southwest over New Jersey, and the left side faces southeast toward New York Harbor, Lower Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty. As the aircraft climbs and turns south, the left side tracks the New Jersey coastline and the Hudson River mouth. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Lower Manhattan, Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Newark Bay and Kill Van Kull waterway.
What can I see when landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
When landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. DCA's primary approach on runway 19 brings aircraft in from the north along the Potomac River, and the right side faces west toward the river itself, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the National Mall. This is one of the most iconic low-altitude urban approaches in the US, with the entire monumental core of DC visible at close range. Notable sights include: Washington Monument and National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Potomac River and its bends, Pentagon visible just south of the airport.
How long is the flight from Newark to Washington?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) 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 Newark to Washington flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly southwest over central New Jersey, crossing the Delaware River near Trenton, then over northern Delaware and the northern Chesapeake Bay region. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal crossing is visible at altitude. Over Maryland, the flat coastal plain gives way to the slightly rolling terrain of the Piedmont as the aircraft begins descent toward the Potomac.