Norfolk to New York is 290 miles (466 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Norfolk Naval Station on departure and the Manhattan skyline plus Jamaica Bay on approach into JFK. The right side over the Atlantic offers open ocean for most of the cruise, which is comparatively featureless.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast up the Delmarva Peninsula, with the Chesapeake Bay visible to the left and the Atlantic Ocean to the right. Over Delaware and southern New Jersey the route passes near Delaware Bay. The Pine Barrens of New Jersey appear as a large dark forested expanse before the aircraft begins descent toward the New York metro area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORF
LEFTNorfolk's primary departure runway 23 sends the aircraft southwest before turning northeast, putting the left side over the Elizabeth River, Norfolk Naval Station, and Hampton Roads harbor. You get a clear look at the massive naval base — the largest in the world — with aircraft carriers and warships visible at the piers.
Landing at JFK
LEFTJFK's most common arrival paths from the south use runway 31L/31R, bringing aircraft in from over the Atlantic and Jamaica Bay on a northwest heading. The left side faces southwest toward Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan's skyline, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, all clearly visible during the approach descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk International (ORF) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to New York. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Norfolk Naval Station on departure and the Manhattan skyline plus Jamaica Bay on approach into JFK. The right side over the Atlantic offers open ocean for most of the cruise, which is comparatively featureless.
What can I see during takeoff from Norfolk International in Norfolk?
During takeoff from Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Norfolk's primary departure runway 23 sends the aircraft southwest before turning northeast, putting the left side over the Elizabeth River, Norfolk Naval Station, and Hampton Roads harbor. You get a clear look at the massive naval base — the largest in the world — with aircraft carriers and warships visible at the piers. Notable sights include: Norfolk Naval Station piers, Hampton Roads harbor, Elizabeth River waterway, Portsmouth shipyards across the river.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK's most common arrival paths from the south use runway 31L/31R, bringing aircraft in from over the Atlantic and Jamaica Bay on a northwest heading. The left side faces southwest toward Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan's skyline, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, all clearly visible during the approach descent. Notable sights include: Lower Manhattan skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge, Brooklyn waterfront.
How long is the flight from Norfolk to New York?
The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 290 miles (466 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to New York flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast up the Delmarva Peninsula, with the Chesapeake Bay visible to the left and the Atlantic Ocean to the right. Over Delaware and southern New Jersey the route passes near Delaware Bay. The Pine Barrens of New Jersey appear as a large dark forested expanse before the aircraft begins descent toward the New York metro area.