The short flight offers little scenery during cruise over flat Piedmont and coastal plain, so the approach into DCA dominates the score — and the river approach past the Washington Monument and Capitol on the right side is the flight's clear highlight.
Flown RDU to DCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Washington is 227 miles (365 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Flat Piedmont and coastal plain of central Virginia, including the Richmond area, with no major mountains or coastline directly on this route
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
LEFTDeparting RDU to the northeast, the initial climb passes over Falls Lake and its wooded shoreline northeast of the airport, visible on the left side as the aircraft banks toward Virginia. The right side mostly shows flat Piedmont suburbs with little distinction.
Landing at DCA
RIGHTOn the straight-in approach to DCA from the south along the Potomac River, the right side of the aircraft faces east toward downtown Washington, offering views of the Washington Monument, Capitol dome, and the National Mall just before touchdown. The left side faces the Virginia riverbank and Pentagon area, which is less visually striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Washington. The short flight offers little scenery during cruise over flat Piedmont and coastal plain, so the approach into DCA dominates the score — and the river approach past the Washington Monument and Capitol on the right side is the flight's clear highlight.
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. Departing RDU to the northeast, the initial climb passes over Falls Lake and its wooded shoreline northeast of the airport, visible on the left side as the aircraft banks toward Virginia. The right side mostly shows flat Piedmont suburbs with little distinction. Notable sights include: Falls Lake, Raleigh-Durham suburban sprawl, Piedmont forest patchwork.
What can I see when landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
When landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the straight-in approach to DCA from the south along the Potomac River, the right side of the aircraft faces east toward downtown Washington, offering views of the Washington Monument, Capitol dome, and the National Mall just before touchdown. The left side faces the Virginia riverbank and Pentagon area, which is less visually striking. Notable sights include: Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol dome, National Mall, Potomac River.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Washington?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 227 miles (365 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Washington flight path pass over?
Flat Piedmont and coastal plain of central Virginia, including the Richmond area, with no major mountains or coastline directly on this route