While takeoff favors the right side, the landing view from the left is more dramatic and memorable—the Cumberland River's curves and Nashville's downtown skyline create a stronger visual payoff. The left side captures the approach to a major city with distinctive geography.
Flown MEM to BNA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Memphis to Nashville is 200 miles (322 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Tennessee, passing over the Highland Rim plateau region. Notable features include the Duck River valley (visible as a darker green corridor), several small reservoirs and lakes scattered across the landscape, and the gradual transition from Mississippi River bottomlands to the rolling terrain of middle Tennessee. The terrain becomes noticeably hillier as you approach Nashville from the west.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEM
RIGHTRight-side seats offer the best view during Memphis departure. The aircraft typically climbs northeastward, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders and the Memphis urban area receding below.
Landing at BNA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide superior views during Nashville approach. Aircraft typically descend from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the Cumberland River's distinctive S-curve through Nashville, plus the city's downtown skyline and surrounding hills as you approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Memphis International (MEM) to Nashville International (BNA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Memphis to Nashville. While takeoff favors the right side, the landing view from the left is more dramatic and memorable—the Cumberland River's curves and Nashville's downtown skyline create a stronger visual payoff. The left side captures the approach to a major city with distinctive geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Memphis International in Memphis?
During takeoff from Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer the best view during Memphis departure. The aircraft typically climbs northeastward, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders and the Memphis urban area receding below. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (major meander loops), Memphis downtown skyline, Shelby Farms (large reservoir east of the city), Wolf River confluence.
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 seats provide superior views during Nashville approach. Aircraft typically descend from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the Cumberland River's distinctive S-curve through Nashville, plus the city's downtown skyline and surrounding hills as you approach. Notable sights include: Cumberland River (S-curve through Nashville), Nashville downtown skyline, Percy Priest Lake (large reservoir southeast of approach path), Tennessee hills and ridges.
How long is the flight from Memphis to Nashville?
The flight from Memphis International (MEM) to Nashville International (BNA) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 200 miles (322 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Memphis to Nashville flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Tennessee, passing over the Highland Rim plateau region. Notable features include the Duck River valley (visible as a darker green corridor), several small reservoirs and lakes scattered across the landscape, and the gradual transition from Mississippi River bottomlands to the rolling terrain of middle Tennessee. The terrain becomes noticeably hillier as you approach Nashville from the west.