While takeoff offers a fleeting Chicago skyline view on the left, the right side's approach into DCA along the Potomac past the Washington Monument and Capitol is the flight's standout scenic moment.
Flown MDW to DCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Washington is 599 miles (964 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Flat farmland of Indiana and Ohio, with the rolling foothills of the Appalachians briefly visible in West Virginia/western Maryland before descent into the Potomac River valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
LEFTDeparting Midway to the southeast, passengers on the left can catch a brief glimpse of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the southern edge of the Chicago skyline before the aircraft turns east over the flat Illinois-Indiana plains.
Landing at DCA
RIGHTOn the River Visual approach to Runway 19, the aircraft tracks south along the Potomac, and the Washington Monument, Capitol dome, and National Mall sit close to the western riverbank, appearing on the right side of the cabin as the plane descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Washington. While takeoff offers a fleeting Chicago skyline view on the left, the right side's approach into DCA along the Potomac past the Washington Monument and Capitol is the flight's standout scenic moment.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Midway to the southeast, passengers on the left can catch a brief glimpse of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the southern edge of the Chicago skyline before the aircraft turns east over the flat Illinois-Indiana plains. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (distant), Chicago suburbs grid pattern.
What can I see when landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
When landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the River Visual approach to Runway 19, the aircraft tracks south along the Potomac, and the Washington Monument, Capitol dome, and National Mall sit close to the western riverbank, appearing on the right side of the cabin as the plane descends. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol dome, National Mall.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Washington?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 599 miles (964 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Washington flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of Indiana and Ohio, with the rolling foothills of the Appalachians briefly visible in West Virginia/western Maryland before descent into the Potomac River valley.