While the left seat wins at takeoff for the naval base and Hampton Roads views, the right seat delivers consistently better scenery for the majority of the flight — the Atlantic coastline scrolls past on the right through the Carolinas and Georgia, and the Miami arrival on the right is one of the most visually rewarding approaches in the eastern US with Biscayne Bay and South Beach laid out perfectly.
Flown ORF to MIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Norfolk to Miami is 804 miles (1,293 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest along or just inland of the Atlantic coast. Notable features include the Outer Banks of North Carolina visible to the right, Cape Hatteras and its distinctive hook shape, the broad Cape Fear River mouth near Wilmington NC, the South Carolina and Georgia coastal plain with its sea island chains and tidal marshes, the Savannah River mouth, the Georgia-Florida border flatlands, and the broad St. Johns River near Jacksonville before the terrain flattens completely into the Florida peninsula heading toward Miami.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORF
LEFTORF typically departs on Runway 5 (northeast) or Runway 23 (southwest). On a southbound departure toward MIA, aircraft often use Runway 23 and bank left (east/southeast), putting the left side over the Elizabeth River, Norfolk Naval Station, and Hampton Roads harbor. The left seat gets the sprawling naval base and the Chesapeake Bay mouth clearly in view.
Landing at MIA
RIGHTMIA typically lands on Runway 9 (eastbound approach) or Runway 27 (westbound). On an eastbound approach from the northwest, the right side faces south over Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach barrier island, and the Atlantic Ocean. The right seat gets the full Miami skyline, South Beach, and the turquoise Biscayne Bay on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk International (ORF) to Miami International (MIA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Miami. While the left seat wins at takeoff for the naval base and Hampton Roads views, the right seat delivers consistently better scenery for the majority of the flight — the Atlantic coastline scrolls past on the right through the Carolinas and Georgia, and the Miami arrival on the right is one of the most visually rewarding approaches in the eastern US with Biscayne Bay and South Beach laid out perfectly.
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. ORF typically departs on Runway 5 (northeast) or Runway 23 (southwest). On a southbound departure toward MIA, aircraft often use Runway 23 and bank left (east/southeast), putting the left side over the Elizabeth River, Norfolk Naval Station, and Hampton Roads harbor. The left seat gets the sprawling naval base and the Chesapeake Bay mouth clearly in view. Notable sights include: Norfolk Naval Station (largest naval base in the world, clearly visible with carrier piers), Hampton Roads harbor and bridge-tunnel, Elizabeth River waterfront, Chesapeake Bay mouth.
What can I see when landing at Miami International in Miami?
When landing at Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. MIA typically lands on Runway 9 (eastbound approach) or Runway 27 (westbound). On an eastbound approach from the northwest, the right side faces south over Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach barrier island, and the Atlantic Ocean. The right seat gets the full Miami skyline, South Beach, and the turquoise Biscayne Bay on final approach. Notable sights include: Miami downtown skyline, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach and South Beach barrier island, Port of Miami with cruise ships.
How long is the flight from Norfolk to Miami?
The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to Miami International (MIA) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 804 miles (1,293 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to Miami flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest along or just inland of the Atlantic coast. Notable features include the Outer Banks of North Carolina visible to the right, Cape Hatteras and its distinctive hook shape, the broad Cape Fear River mouth near Wilmington NC, the South Carolina and Georgia coastal plain with its sea island chains and tidal marshes, the Savannah River mouth, the Georgia-Florida border flatlands, and the broad St. Johns River near Jacksonville before the terrain flattens completely into the Florida peninsula heading toward Miami.