Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Tampa Bay and Gulf Coast on departure, then the Tennessee landscape and river valleys during cruise and descent. Left side offers the Nashville skyline on landing but misses the coastal and mid-flight highlights.
Flown MCF to BNA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tampa to Nashville is 621 miles (1,000 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Georgia's Appalachian foothills, the Tennessee River valley, and scattered lakes and reservoirs across central Tennessee and northern Georgia. The flight path crosses from coastal Florida through the rolling terrain of Georgia and into the Cumberland Plateau region of Tennessee.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCF
RIGHTRight side offers views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico coastline during initial climb. The bay's distinctive shape and barrier islands are clearly visible from 5,000–15,000 feet on departure heading north-northwest.
Landing at BNA
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Cumberland River and downtown Nashville's skyline during descent into BNA. The river's serpentine curves and the city's urban core are prominent on the left side of the approach corridor.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Macdill Afb (MCF) to Nashville International (BNA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to Nashville. Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Tampa Bay and Gulf Coast on departure, then the Tennessee landscape and river valleys during cruise and descent. Left side offers the Nashville skyline on landing but misses the coastal and mid-flight highlights.
What can I see during takeoff from Macdill Afb in Tampa?
During takeoff from Macdill Afb (MCF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico coastline during initial climb. The bay's distinctive shape and barrier islands are clearly visible from 5,000–15,000 feet on departure heading north-northwest. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, Gulf of Mexico coastline, Clearwater Beach barrier islands.
What can I see when landing at Nashville International in Nashville?
When landing at Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Cumberland River and downtown Nashville's skyline during descent into BNA. The river's serpentine curves and the city's urban core are prominent on the left side of the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Cumberland River, downtown Nashville skyline, Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee landscape.
How long is the flight from Tampa to Nashville?
The flight from Macdill Afb (MCF) to Nashville International (BNA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 621 miles (1,000 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tampa to Nashville flight path pass over?
Georgia's Appalachian foothills, the Tennessee River valley, and scattered lakes and reservoirs across central Tennessee and northern Georgia. The flight path crosses from coastal Florida through the rolling terrain of Georgia and into the Cumberland Plateau region of Tennessee.