Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Washington, D.C. landmarks during departure and the North Atlantic coastline and European geography during the transatlantic crossing. Left side offers less distinctive views of Appalachian foothills and central European farmland.
Flown IAD to BER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Berlin is 4,192 miles (6,746 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Notable features include the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (if visible during daylight), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (not visible but marks the flight path), the Irish coastline and Celtic Sea, and the English Channel before reaching continental Europe. The North Sea and German coastline become visible during descent into Berlin.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C.'s urban core as the aircraft climbs northeastward. The left side faces the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, but they're distant and less distinctive during initial climb.
Landing at BER
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Spree River, Berlin's urban landscape, and the distinctive lakes of the Brandenburg region during descent. The right side faces less visually interesting suburban sprawl and forests.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Berlin Brandenburg (BER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Berlin. Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Washington, D.C. landmarks during departure and the North Atlantic coastline and European geography during the transatlantic crossing. Left side offers less distinctive views of Appalachian foothills and central European farmland.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C.'s urban core as the aircraft climbs northeastward. The left side faces the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, but they're distant and less distinctive during initial climb. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument and Capitol Building district, Dulles Airport runways and surrounding Virginia suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
When landing at Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Spree River, Berlin's urban landscape, and the distinctive lakes of the Brandenburg region during descent. The right side faces less visually interesting suburban sprawl and forests. Notable sights include: Spree River and Landwehr Canal, Berlin city center with Tiergarten park, Müggelsee lake and surrounding Brandenburg lakes, forested terrain of Brandenburg state.
How long is the flight from Washington to Berlin?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Berlin Brandenburg (BER) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,192 miles (6,746 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Berlin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Notable features include the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (if visible during daylight), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (not visible but marks the flight path), the Irish coastline and Celtic Sea, and the English Channel before reaching continental Europe. The North Sea and German coastline become visible during descent into Berlin.