Right side wins both ends of the flight. During cruise at 35,000 feet heading north-northeast, the right side also tracks closer to the coastline through the Carolinas, offering occasional glimpses of the Outer Banks and coastal sounds before moving inland over Virginia.
Flown DJT to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
West Palm Beach to Washington is 861 miles (1,385 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks north-northeast up the Eastern Seaboard. Over central Florida you pass the Space Coast and Cape Canaveral on the right. Through Georgia and the Carolinas the route crosses the coastal plain, with the Outer Banks of North Carolina visible to the right in clear conditions. The Piedmont region of North Carolina and Virginia follows, with the Blue Ridge Mountains visible as a low ridgeline to the west. The James River and Richmond metro area appear before the final descent into Northern Virginia.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DJT
RIGHTPBI's primary departure runway is 10L/28R. Northbound departures typically use runway 28R, heading west then turning north. The right side gives you the Atlantic coastline, Palm Beach island, and Lake Worth Lagoon as you climb out and bank northward.
Landing at IAD
RIGHTIAD's primary arrival from the south uses runway 19R/01L or 01C, with aircraft approaching from the south-southeast. The right side on approach gives views of the Potomac River, the DC Mall corridor, and the Virginia suburbs. Left side faces mostly open Loudoun County farmland.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from West Palm Beach to Washington. Right side wins both ends of the flight. During cruise at 35,000 feet heading north-northeast, the right side also tracks closer to the coastline through the Carolinas, offering occasional glimpses of the Outer Banks and coastal sounds before moving inland over Virginia.
What can I see during takeoff from President Donald J. Trump International Airport in West Palm Beach?
During takeoff from President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT), sit on the Right side for the best views. PBI's primary departure runway is 10L/28R. Northbound departures typically use runway 28R, heading west then turning north. The right side gives you the Atlantic coastline, Palm Beach island, and Lake Worth Lagoon as you climb out and bank northward. Notable sights include: Palm Beach island and Worth Avenue district, Lake Worth Lagoon, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Port of Palm Beach at Riviera Beach.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. IAD's primary arrival from the south uses runway 19R/01L or 01C, with aircraft approaching from the south-southeast. The right side on approach gives views of the Potomac River, the DC Mall corridor, and the Virginia suburbs. Left side faces mostly open Loudoun County farmland. Notable sights include: Potomac River and its broad bends through Northern Virginia, Washington DC skyline and National Mall monuments visible on the horizon, Tysons Corner urban cluster, Dulles Access Road corridor leading to the airport.
How long is the flight from West Palm Beach to Washington?
The flight from President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 861 miles (1,385 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the West Palm Beach to Washington flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north-northeast up the Eastern Seaboard. Over central Florida you pass the Space Coast and Cape Canaveral on the right. Through Georgia and the Carolinas the route crosses the coastal plain, with the Outer Banks of North Carolina visible to the right in clear conditions. The Piedmont region of North Carolina and Virginia follows, with the Blue Ridge Mountains visible as a low ridgeline to the west. The James River and Richmond metro area appear before the final descent into Northern Virginia.