About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to City Centre (YTZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Toronto. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise phase heading northeast, left-side passengers also track closer to the Lake Erie northern shoreline and get glimpses of the Ontario lakeshore on descent. Right side offers little of note — mostly rural Pennsylvania and Ontario farmland without distinctive features.
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 northeast on runway 01R/01L or east on runway 12, meaning a left-side seat faces north toward Washington DC. You get a clear view of the Potomac River and the DC skyline including the Capitol dome and Washington Monument as the aircraft climbs and banks northeast toward Toronto. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC Mall and monuments, Tysons Corner urban cluster, Dulles Access Road corridor.
What can I see when landing at City Centre in Toronto?
When landing at City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport sits on the Toronto Islands and typically lands on runway 08 or 26 depending on wind. On the common westerly approach to runway 26, aircraft come in from the east over Lake Ontario, giving left-side passengers a direct view of the Toronto skyline including the CN Tower and downtown waterfront as the plane descends low over the lake. Notable sights include: CN Tower and Toronto downtown skyline, Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands, Ontario Place peninsula.
How long is the flight from Washington to Toronto?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to City Centre (YTZ) takes Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes.
What does the Washington to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Maryland and Pennsylvania Appalachian ridges (visible as parallel forested folds early in cruise), then crosses into southern Pennsylvania farmland, passes north of Philadelphia's metro area, crosses into New Jersey or New York state airspace briefly, then descends over Lake Ontario toward Toronto. The Susquehanna River is a notable crossing point in central Pennsylvania.