About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Austin. The left side captures the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley on departure, then tracks the Appalachian foothills fading into the Tennessee and Arkansas lowlands. Over Texas, the left side picks up the Edwards Plateau and Hill Country terrain as you approach Austin. The right side wins on landing, but the left side delivers more varied scenery across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically departs westbound on runway 19L/R or eastbound on 01L/R. On a southwesterly routing toward Austin, aircraft often climb out heading south or southwest. The left side picks up the DC metro sprawl, the Potomac River corridor, and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west as the aircraft turns southwest. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Blue Ridge Mountains (visible to the west), Dulles Access Road corridor, Shenandoah Valley.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Austin Bergstrom sits southeast of downtown Austin. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 17L/R, meaning a southbound final approach. The right side gives a clear view of downtown Austin's skyline, the Colorado River (Lady Bird Lake), and the Hill Country to the west. Notable sights include: Downtown Austin skyline, Lady Bird Lake (Colorado River), Texas Hill Country, Walter E. Long Lake to the northeast.
How long is the flight from Washington to Austin?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Washington to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Appalachian foothills of Virginia and Tennessee, then transitions to the flat Mississippi Embayment lowlands over Arkansas and western Tennessee. Crossing into Texas, the terrain shifts to the rolling Piney Woods of East Texas, then opens into the Blackland Prairie approaching the Austin metro. The Colorado River drainage and the beginning of the Edwards Plateau are visible on descent.