The right side edges out the left thanks to the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore harbor views during the approach, plus a brief skyline glimpse of Raleigh at departure — landmarks the left side lacks on this short, mostly flat route.
Flown RDU to BWI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Baltimore is 256 miles (411 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Rolling Piedmont terrain of central Virginia near Richmond, the Rappahannock River, and rural farmland along the I-95 corridor
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTDeparting RDU to the northeast, the right side offers a brief glimpse of downtown Raleigh's skyline and the Neuse River basin before the plane climbs over the flat Piedmont countryside. The left side shows mostly Research Triangle suburbs and farmland with no distinct landmarks.
Landing at BWI
RIGHTOn approach to BWI from the south, the right side of the aircraft passes over the upper Chesapeake Bay, offering views of its wide waters, tidal inlets, and the Patapsco River estuary leading into Baltimore's harbor. The left side mostly shows suburban Maryland sprawl with no major water features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Baltimore. The right side edges out the left thanks to the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore harbor views during the approach, plus a brief skyline glimpse of Raleigh at departure — landmarks the left side lacks on this short, mostly flat 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. Departing RDU to the northeast, the right side offers a brief glimpse of downtown Raleigh's skyline and the Neuse River basin before the plane climbs over the flat Piedmont countryside. The left side shows mostly Research Triangle suburbs and farmland with no distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Downtown Raleigh skyline, Neuse River, Piedmont farmland patchwork.
What can I see when landing at Baltimore Washington International in Baltimore?
When landing at Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to BWI from the south, the right side of the aircraft passes over the upper Chesapeake Bay, offering views of its wide waters, tidal inlets, and the Patapsco River estuary leading into Baltimore's harbor. The left side mostly shows suburban Maryland sprawl with no major water features. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay, Patapsco River estuary, Baltimore Harbor, Sparrows Point industrial waterfront.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Baltimore?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 256 miles (411 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Baltimore flight path pass over?
Rolling Piedmont terrain of central Virginia near Richmond, the Rappahannock River, and rural farmland along the I-95 corridor