While takeoff offers interesting naval and waterway views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic scenery with the Chattahoochee River valley and Atlanta's urban landscape. Left-side seats capture the more visually distinctive final descent.
Flown NGU to ATL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Norfolk to Atlanta is 512 miles (824 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central North Carolina and northern Georgia. Notable features include the Piedmont region's rolling terrain, the Neuse River valley (visible during climb-out over eastern North Carolina), and the transition from coastal plain to Piedmont plateau. The Blue Ridge Mountains remain too far west to be visible from the typical flight corridor. Lake Gaston and other reservoirs may be visible in the midpoint section over the North Carolina-Virginia border region.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NGU
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads waterway as the aircraft climbs out over southeastern Virginia. You'll see the naval station and shipping channels that define Norfolk's geography.
Landing at ATL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Atlanta. You'll see the Chattahoochee River valley and the transition from Georgia's Piedmont terrain into the Atlanta metropolitan area, with downtown's skyline visible on approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk Ns (NGU) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Atlanta. While takeoff offers interesting naval and waterway views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic scenery with the Chattahoochee River valley and Atlanta's urban landscape. Left-side seats capture the more visually distinctive final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Norfolk Ns in Norfolk?
During takeoff from Norfolk Ns (NGU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads waterway as the aircraft climbs out over southeastern Virginia. You'll see the naval station and shipping channels that define Norfolk's geography. Notable sights include: Elizabeth River, Hampton Roads, Naval Station Norfolk, Chesapeake Bay (distant).
What can I see when landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
When landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Atlanta. You'll see the Chattahoochee River valley and the transition from Georgia's Piedmont terrain into the Atlanta metropolitan area, with downtown's skyline visible on approach. Notable sights include: Chattahoochee River, Atlanta skyline, Piedmont terrain, Lake Lanier (possible on clear days).
How long is the flight from Norfolk to Atlanta?
The flight from Norfolk Ns (NGU) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 512 miles (824 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central North Carolina and northern Georgia. Notable features include the Piedmont region's rolling terrain, the Neuse River valley (visible during climb-out over eastern North Carolina), and the transition from coastal plain to Piedmont plateau. The Blue Ridge Mountains remain too far west to be visible from the typical flight corridor. Lake Gaston and other reservoirs may be visible in the midpoint section over the North Carolina-Virginia border region.