Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Richmond. The left side wins overall because the Newark departure offers the most dramatic and iconic views of the flight — Manhattan, New York Harbor, and the New Jersey waterways are genuinely spectacular from the left during climb-out. The landing views at RIC are more modest regardless of side, so the takeoff experience tips the balance decisively to the left.

During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR typically departs south or east on runways 22L/22R or 29, then turns southwest toward Richmond. The left side captures Manhattan's skyline to the northeast during the initial climb, plus the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay. As the aircraft banks southwest, the left side also picks up the New Jersey Turnpike corridor and the broad expanse of the Arthur Kill waterway. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline to the northeast, Upper New York Bay and Staten Island, Arthur Kill waterway, New Jersey Turnpike industrial corridor.

When landing at Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Right side for the best views. RIC typically lands on runway 16 or 34. On a runway 34 approach from the south, or a runway 16 approach from the north, the right side faces west toward downtown Richmond and the James River. The James River is the most visually distinctive feature on approach, and the right side gives a clear view of its broad bends through the Richmond metro area. Notable sights include: James River and its bends through Richmond, downtown Richmond skyline, Richmond's Fan District grid, Henrico County suburban sprawl.

The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Richmond International (RIC) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.

The flight tracks southwest across New Jersey, crossing the Delaware River near Trenton or Philadelphia, then over northern Delaware or the northern Chesapeake Bay watershed. Over Maryland and northern Virginia the terrain is flat to gently rolling Virginia Piedmont, with the Potomac River watershed visible below. No major mountain ranges cross this route — the Blue Ridge is well to the west and not typically overflown on this corridor.