While the takeoff offers interesting naval and maritime views from the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenic value with the dramatic convergence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, Philadelphia's recognizable skyline, and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The left side captures the geographic heart of the destination.
Flown ORF to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Norfolk to Philadelphia is 212 miles (341 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path travels northwest from Norfolk across the Chesapeake Bay, then follows the Virginia-Maryland border northward. Notable midpoint features include the Potomac River estuary (visible around the 40-minute mark), the Chesapeake Bay's western shore with its characteristic inlets and peninsulas, and the transition from tidewater lowlands to the Piedmont region of Maryland and Delaware. The Delaware Peninsula becomes visible in the final 20 minutes of flight as the aircraft descends toward Philadelphia.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORF
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads waterway as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Norfolk. You'll see the naval station and shipping channels that define the region's maritime character.
Landing at PHL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Philadelphia, particularly of the Schuylkill River and Delaware River as they converge near the airport. You'll see the city's downtown skyline and the distinctive river geography that shaped Philadelphia's layout.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk International (ORF) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Philadelphia. While the takeoff offers interesting naval and maritime views from the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenic value with the dramatic convergence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, Philadelphia's recognizable skyline, and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The left side captures the geographic heart of the destination.
What can I see during takeoff from Norfolk International in Norfolk?
During takeoff from Norfolk International (ORF), 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 northwestward out of Norfolk. You'll see the naval station and shipping channels that define the region's maritime character. Notable sights include: Elizabeth River, Hampton Roads, Naval Station Norfolk, Chesapeake Bay entrance.
What can I see when landing at Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Philadelphia, particularly of the Schuylkill River and Delaware River as they converge near the airport. You'll see the city's downtown skyline and the distinctive river geography that shaped Philadelphia's layout. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia downtown skyline, Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
How long is the flight from Norfolk to Philadelphia?
The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 212 miles (341 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The flight path travels northwest from Norfolk across the Chesapeake Bay, then follows the Virginia-Maryland border northward. Notable midpoint features include the Potomac River estuary (visible around the 40-minute mark), the Chesapeake Bay's western shore with its characteristic inlets and peninsulas, and the transition from tidewater lowlands to the Piedmont region of Maryland and Delaware. The Delaware Peninsula becomes visible in the final 20 minutes of flight as the aircraft descends toward Philadelphia.