While takeoff offers some interest on the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery with Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains creating a more visually compelling finale. The left side captures the most dramatic geography of this route.
Flown RDU to BTV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Burlington is 664 miles (1,068 km), a flight of about 2 hours.
The flight path northeastward crosses the Appalachian foothills of Virginia and West Virginia, then transitions into the Ridge-and-Valley province of the central Appalachians. Notable midpoint features include the Shenandoah Valley (visible as a linear depression between mountain ridges), the Blue Ridge Mountains (running southwest-northeast), and the Potomac River valley near Washington DC airspace. Further north, the flight crosses into Pennsylvania and New York, passing over the Hudson River valley and the Catskill Mountains before approaching Lake Champlain and Vermont.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Neuse River valley and the urban sprawl of Raleigh-Durham as you climb northeastward. The city's grid pattern and surrounding pine forests are distinctive during the initial climb.
Landing at BTV
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains during descent into Burlington. The lake's broad expanse and the mountain ridgeline create a dramatic final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Burlington International (BTV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Burlington. While takeoff offers some interest on the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery with Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains creating a more visually compelling finale. The left side captures the most dramatic geography of this route.
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 seats offer views of the Neuse River valley and the urban sprawl of Raleigh-Durham as you climb northeastward. The city's grid pattern and surrounding pine forests are distinctive during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Neuse River (flowing southeast through RDU area), Raleigh downtown skyline (west-southwest), Durham industrial areas (north), pine forest canopy.
What can I see when landing at Burlington International in Burlington?
When landing at Burlington International (BTV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains during descent into Burlington. The lake's broad expanse and the mountain ridgeline create a dramatic final approach. Notable sights include: Lake Champlain (dominant water body), Green Mountains (eastern shore), Adirondack Mountains (western shore, New York), Burlington waterfront and city grid.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Burlington?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Burlington International (BTV) takes about 2 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 664 miles (1,068 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Burlington flight path pass over?
The flight path northeastward crosses the Appalachian foothills of Virginia and West Virginia, then transitions into the Ridge-and-Valley province of the central Appalachians. Notable midpoint features include the Shenandoah Valley (visible as a linear depression between mountain ridges), the Blue Ridge Mountains (running southwest-northeast), and the Potomac River valley near Washington DC airspace. Further north, the flight crosses into Pennsylvania and New York, passing over the Hudson River valley and the Catskill Mountains before approaching Lake Champlain and Vermont.