Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the left side delivers the better urban and geographic interest at departure over Raleigh and on approach into Amsterdam with the canal ring and polder landscape.
Flown RDU to AMS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Amsterdam is 4,056 miles (6,528 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast from the Carolinas, crossing the Virginia and Maryland coast near the Chesapeake Bay, then out over the North Atlantic. The great circle route passes south of Newfoundland and over the open North Atlantic, then crosses Ireland and the southern North Sea before descending into the Netherlands. Notable features include the Canadian Maritime coastline if visible, the Irish coast near Shannon, and the English Channel or southern North Sea on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
LEFTRDU's primary departure runway 23L sends aircraft southwest before turning northeast toward the Atlantic. Left side passengers get views over downtown Raleigh's skyline and the Research Triangle urban corridor as the aircraft banks. The left side also captures Jordan Lake and the broader Piedmont landscape during climb-out.
Landing at AMS
LEFTSchiphol approaches from the east or southeast on runway 18R/36L or 06/24. On a typical easterly approach, left-side passengers look south over the Dutch polder landscape, the Westeinderplassen lakes, and get a clear view of central Amsterdam's canal ring and the IJ waterway as the aircraft descends. Right side faces north over less distinctive suburban and agricultural land.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Amsterdam. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the left side delivers the better urban and geographic interest at departure over Raleigh and on approach into Amsterdam with the canal ring and polder landscape.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. RDU's primary departure runway 23L sends aircraft southwest before turning northeast toward the Atlantic. Left side passengers get views over downtown Raleigh's skyline and the Research Triangle urban corridor as the aircraft banks. The left side also captures Jordan Lake and the broader Piedmont landscape during climb-out. Notable sights include: Downtown Raleigh skyline, Jordan Lake reservoir, Research Triangle Park campus clusters, Falls Lake to the north.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol approaches from the east or southeast on runway 18R/36L or 06/24. On a typical easterly approach, left-side passengers look south over the Dutch polder landscape, the Westeinderplassen lakes, and get a clear view of central Amsterdam's canal ring and the IJ waterway as the aircraft descends. Right side faces north over less distinctive suburban and agricultural land. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring and historic center, IJ waterway and Amsterdam harbor, Westeinderplassen lake complex, Dutch polder grid of fields and drainage canals.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Amsterdam?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Schiphol (AMS) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,056 miles (6,528 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast from the Carolinas, crossing the Virginia and Maryland coast near the Chesapeake Bay, then out over the North Atlantic. The great circle route passes south of Newfoundland and over the open North Atlantic, then crosses Ireland and the southern North Sea before descending into the Netherlands. Notable features include the Canadian Maritime coastline if visible, the Irish coast near Shannon, and the English Channel or southern North Sea on descent.