While takeoff offers Piedmont river views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides the most dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville valley are far more striking than the relatively flat terrain visible during departure.
Flown RDU to AVL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Asheville is 213 miles (343 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Yadkin River valley (north-central North Carolina), foothills transition zone with increasing elevation, scattered ridgelines of the Blue Ridge Mountains becoming progressively more prominent, Catawba River drainage basin (southern approach), dense forest coverage throughout the Piedmont-to-mountain transition
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
LEFTClimbing westbound from RDU, the left side offers views of the Neuse River valley and the transition from Piedmont terrain toward the foothills. The right side faces toward the Atlantic coastal plain with less dramatic topography.
Landing at AVL
RIGHTOn approach to AVL from the northeast, the right side captures the dramatic Blue Ridge Mountains and the Swannanoa River valley leading into Asheville. The left side shows less distinctive terrain as you descend into the valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Asheville. While takeoff offers Piedmont river views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides the most dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville valley are far more striking than the relatively flat terrain visible during departure.
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. Climbing westbound from RDU, the left side offers views of the Neuse River valley and the transition from Piedmont terrain toward the foothills. The right side faces toward the Atlantic coastal plain with less dramatic topography. Notable sights include: Neuse River (flowing southeast through the Piedmont), Durham and Chapel Hill urban areas (receding behind), Piedmont rolling terrain, early foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains (distant western horizon).
What can I see when landing at Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville?
When landing at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to AVL from the northeast, the right side captures the dramatic Blue Ridge Mountains and the Swannanoa River valley leading into Asheville. The left side shows less distinctive terrain as you descend into the valley. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains (dominant ridgelines), Swannanoa River valley (narrow gorge), Asheville urban area (nestled in the valley floor), Pisgah Ridge (southern ridge line).
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Asheville?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 213 miles (343 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Asheville flight path pass over?
Yadkin River valley (north-central North Carolina), foothills transition zone with increasing elevation, scattered ridgelines of the Blue Ridge Mountains becoming progressively more prominent, Catawba River drainage basin (southern approach), dense forest coverage throughout the Piedmont-to-mountain transition