While both skyline glimpses at takeoff and landing favor the right side, the bulk of the flight's scenic value comes from crossing the Appalachian ridge-and-valley province and the Cumberland Plateau, which is more visible and sustained on the left side, giving it the edge over the full route.
Flown PHL to BNA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Nashville is 674 miles (1,084 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Allegheny Front and ridge-and-valley Appalachians of central Pennsylvania and Maryland, the Blue Ridge foothills near the Virginia-West Virginia border, and the Cumberland Plateau along the Kentucky-Tennessee border before descent into the Nashville Basin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
RIGHTDeparting PHL on runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over South Philadelphia before banking southwest toward Nashville, giving right-side passengers a receding view of the Center City skyline and the Delaware/Schuylkill river confluence. Left-side views over this stretch are mostly flat South Jersey suburbs with little to distinguish them.
Landing at BNA
RIGHTOn final approach into BNA under typical south-flow conditions (landing runway 20), the aircraft descends from the north and downtown Nashville sits just to the west, putting the skyline and Cumberland River on the right side of the cabin. Left-side passengers instead see rolling farmland and suburban Davidson County with no comparable landmark.
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 Philadelphia International (PHL) to Nashville International (BNA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Nashville. While both skyline glimpses at takeoff and landing favor the right side, the bulk of the flight's scenic value comes from crossing the Appalachian ridge-and-valley province and the Cumberland Plateau, which is more visible and sustained on the left side, giving it the edge over the full route.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PHL on runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over South Philadelphia before banking southwest toward Nashville, giving right-side passengers a receding view of the Center City skyline and the Delaware/Schuylkill river confluence. Left-side views over this stretch are mostly flat South Jersey suburbs with little to distinguish them. Notable sights include: Center City Philadelphia skyline (Comcast Center, Liberty Place), Schuylkill River, Delaware River, South Philadelphia rowhouse grid.
What can I see when landing at Nashville International in Nashville?
When landing at Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into BNA under typical south-flow conditions (landing runway 20), the aircraft descends from the north and downtown Nashville sits just to the west, putting the skyline and Cumberland River on the right side of the cabin. Left-side passengers instead see rolling farmland and suburban Davidson County with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline (AT&T 'Batman' Building), Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium, rolling Tennessee hills.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Nashville?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Nashville International (BNA) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 674 miles (1,084 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Nashville flight path pass over?
Allegheny Front and ridge-and-valley Appalachians of central Pennsylvania and Maryland, the Blue Ridge foothills near the Virginia-West Virginia border, and the Cumberland Plateau along the Kentucky-Tennessee border before descent into the Nashville Basin