Both sides are modest given the short, flat-terrain route, but the left side's approach view of the Atlanta skyline and Stone Mountain edges out the otherwise unremarkable Piedmont scenery on the right.
Flight Path
Piedmont plateau farmland and forest of central Georgia and North Carolina, no major rivers or mountains directly on the cruise path
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTDeparting RDU to the southwest, the right side offers views over the Raleigh-Durham suburban sprawl and rolling Piedmont hills, slightly more visually varied than the flat farmland to the left.
Landing at ATL
LEFTOn approach into ATL from the northeast, the left side gives a view of the Atlanta skyline and downtown towers before the turn onto final, while the right side stays over flat suburban terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Atlanta. Both sides are modest given the short, flat-terrain route, but the left side's approach view of the Atlanta skyline and Stone Mountain edges out the otherwise unremarkable Piedmont scenery on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing RDU to the southwest, the right side offers views over the Raleigh-Durham suburban sprawl and rolling Piedmont hills, slightly more visually varied than the flat farmland to the left. Notable sights include: Raleigh-Durham suburbs, Jordan Lake, Piedmont rolling hills.
What can I see when landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
When landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into ATL from the northeast, the left side gives a view of the Atlanta skyline and downtown towers before the turn onto final, while the right side stays over flat suburban terrain. Notable sights include: Atlanta downtown skyline, Stone Mountain, Chattahoochee River.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Atlanta?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes 1h 15m.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Atlanta flight path pass over?
Piedmont plateau farmland and forest of central Georgia and North Carolina, no major rivers or mountains directly on the cruise path