Washington to Portland flight path: IAD to PWM

Sit on the right side of the plane

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 35m
Distance493
Heading046° → 051°

Washington to Portland is 493 miles (793 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.

Best side
Right
★ 2.0 left·★ 3.5 right

The right side tracks closer to the Atlantic coastline for much of the route, offering glimpses of Long Island Sound, southern New England shoreline, and a dramatic island-studded arrival over Casco Bay, while the left side mostly shows inland hills and forest with less variety.

Takeoff · IADRIGHTPotomac River, Piedmont foothills of Virginia, Dulles Greenway corridor
Landing · PWMRIGHTCasco Bay islands, Portland Head Light area, Portland harbor and downtown skyline

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Long Island Sound, Connecticut and Rhode Island shoreline, approach toward Boston's North Shore and the Gulf of Maine coastline

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Washington (right side) — Potomac River, Piedmont foothills of Virginia, Dulles Greenway corridor

Takeoff from IAD

RIGHT

Departing IAD northbound, the right side offers a brief look back toward the Potomac River valley and rolling Piedmont hills of northern Virginia before the climb turns the aircraft onto its northeast track toward the coast.

Potomac RiverPiedmont foothills of VirginiaDulles Greenway corridor

Landing at PWM

RIGHT

Arrivals into PWM commonly approach from the south along the Maine coastline, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Casco Bay's scattered islands and the Portland waterfront just before touchdown.

Casco Bay islandsPortland Head Light areaPortland harbor and downtown skyline

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Portland International Jetport (PWM)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Portland. The right side tracks closer to the Atlantic coastline for much of the route, offering glimpses of Long Island Sound, southern New England shoreline, and a dramatic island-studded arrival over Casco Bay, while the left side mostly shows inland hills and forest with less variety.

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. Departing IAD northbound, the right side offers a brief look back toward the Potomac River valley and rolling Piedmont hills of northern Virginia before the climb turns the aircraft onto its northeast track toward the coast. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Piedmont foothills of Virginia, Dulles Greenway corridor.

What can I see when landing at Portland International Jetport in Portland?

When landing at Portland International Jetport (PWM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into PWM commonly approach from the south along the Maine coastline, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Casco Bay's scattered islands and the Portland waterfront just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Casco Bay islands, Portland Head Light area, Portland harbor and downtown skyline.

How long is the flight from Washington to Portland?

The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Portland International Jetport (PWM) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 493 miles (793 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Washington to Portland flight path pass over?

Long Island Sound, Connecticut and Rhode Island shoreline, approach toward Boston's North Shore and the Gulf of Maine coastline