Right side wins at both ends of the flight. At departure you get the DC monuments and Potomac, and at arrival you get the Rio de la Plata and Buenos Aires. Over the ocean the view is largely featureless, but the bookend views make right the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown IAD to EZE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Buenos Aires is 5,238 miles (8,430 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
After departing the US East Coast, the route tracks southeast over the Caribbean Sea passing near Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles. It then crosses the northeastern shoulder of South America over Venezuela and Colombia, before tracking south over the Amazon Basin in Brazil — a vast, flat, dark green canopy with occasional river meanders visible on clear days. The route then passes over central Brazil's cerrado savanna and into the Pampas of Argentina before descending into Buenos Aires.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTDulles typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or runway 01C, meaning a northward climb then right turn south. The right side picks up the Potomac River corridor, the Washington DC skyline including the Capitol and Washington Monument, and the Chesapeake Bay in the distance. Left side faces west toward suburban Virginia with no comparable landmarks.
Landing at EZE
RIGHTEzeiza typically lands on runway 11 (heading east-southeast) or runway 29 (heading west-northwest). On the common runway 11 approach from the west, the right side faces north toward the Rio de la Plata estuary and the Buenos Aires city center skyline. The left side faces south over flat Pampas farmland with little of interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Buenos Aires. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. At departure you get the DC monuments and Potomac, and at arrival you get the Rio de la Plata and Buenos Aires. Over the ocean the view is largely featureless, but the bookend views make right the clear choice for the full journey.
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. Dulles typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or runway 01C, meaning a northward climb then right turn south. The right side picks up the Potomac River corridor, the Washington DC skyline including the Capitol and Washington Monument, and the Chesapeake Bay in the distance. Left side faces west toward suburban Virginia with no comparable landmarks. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC Mall and monuments, Chesapeake Bay (distant), Northern Virginia suburban grid.
What can I see when landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini in Buenos Aires?
When landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Ezeiza typically lands on runway 11 (heading east-southeast) or runway 29 (heading west-northwest). On the common runway 11 approach from the west, the right side faces north toward the Rio de la Plata estuary and the Buenos Aires city center skyline. The left side faces south over flat Pampas farmland with little of interest. Notable sights include: Rio de la Plata estuary, Buenos Aires city center and port district, Riachuelo River, La Plata city (distant).
How long is the flight from Washington to Buenos Aires?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,238 miles (8,430 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Buenos Aires flight path pass over?
After departing the US East Coast, the route tracks southeast over the Caribbean Sea passing near Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles. It then crosses the northeastern shoulder of South America over Venezuela and Colombia, before tracking south over the Amazon Basin in Brazil — a vast, flat, dark green canopy with occasional river meanders visible on clear days. The route then passes over central Brazil's cerrado savanna and into the Pampas of Argentina before descending into Buenos Aires.