While the takeoff on the right offers good Piedmont views, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery with the Colorado River system and Austin's downtown skyline. The landing view is more visually rewarding and compensates for a less scenic takeoff.
Flown RDU to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Austin is 1,159 miles (1,866 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path westward crosses the Piedmont region of North Carolina and transitions into Tennessee and northern Arkansas. Notable features include the Tennessee River valley (visible around the 1.5-hour mark), the Cumberland Plateau terrain, and the transition from the Appalachian foothills into the Mississippi River valley. By the time you approach Texas, you'll see the transition from forested terrain into the more open landscape of central Texas with scattered lakes and the beginning of Hill Country topography.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Neuse River valley and the urban sprawl of Raleigh-Durham as you climb westward. The left side faces mostly forested terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb.
Landing at AUS
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake), and downtown Austin's skyline during approach from the east. The right side faces mostly suburban sprawl and less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Austin. While the takeoff on the right offers good Piedmont views, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery with the Colorado River system and Austin's downtown skyline. The landing view is more visually rewarding and compensates for a less scenic takeoff.
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. Right side offers views of the Neuse River valley and the urban sprawl of Raleigh-Durham as you climb westward. The left side faces mostly forested terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb. Notable sights include: Neuse River (visible as a winding waterway below), Raleigh city grid (downtown visible as a concentrated urban area), Durham industrial areas, and the Piedmont forest canopy.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake), and downtown Austin's skyline during approach from the east. The right side faces mostly suburban sprawl and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Colorado River and its reservoir system, Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) in downtown Austin, downtown Austin skyline with recognizable high-rises, and the Hill Country terrain rising to the west.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Austin?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,159 miles (1,866 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight path westward crosses the Piedmont region of North Carolina and transitions into Tennessee and northern Arkansas. Notable features include the Tennessee River valley (visible around the 1.5-hour mark), the Cumberland Plateau terrain, and the transition from the Appalachian foothills into the Mississippi River valley. By the time you approach Texas, you'll see the transition from forested terrain into the more open landscape of central Texas with scattered lakes and the beginning of Hill Country topography.