The right side delivers a longer stretch of genuine scenery - East Coast bays, city skylines, and the Canadian Maritime coastline during climb and early cruise - while the left side's advantage is confined to the brief final turn into Dublin. Both sides face several hours of open North Atlantic in between, capping the overall score.
Flown RDU to DUB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Dublin is 3,593 miles (5,782 km), a flight of about 6 hours 50 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean over the Grand Banks southeast of Newfoundland, with no land visible for several hours before the Irish coast comes into view
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTDeparting RDU and turning northeast toward the Atlantic corridor, the right side tracks the East Coast urban belt - Chesapeake Bay, the New York City skyline, Long Island, and Boston/Cape Cod pass below before the coastline gives way to Atlantic Canada. The left side mostly shows the flat Piedmont and distant, hazy Appalachian foothills.
Landing at DUB
LEFTOn the westerly approach into Dublin's runway 28, aircraft typically swing south of the city to align with the runway, putting Dublin Bay, the Poolbeg towers, and the Wicklow Mountains on the left side of the cabin. The right side during this turn faces the flatter midlands with little to distinguish it.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Dublin (DUB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Dublin. The right side delivers a longer stretch of genuine scenery - East Coast bays, city skylines, and the Canadian Maritime coastline during climb and early cruise - while the left side's advantage is confined to the brief final turn into Dublin. Both sides face several hours of open North Atlantic in between, capping the overall score.
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 and turning northeast toward the Atlantic corridor, the right side tracks the East Coast urban belt - Chesapeake Bay, the New York City skyline, Long Island, and Boston/Cape Cod pass below before the coastline gives way to Atlantic Canada. The left side mostly shows the flat Piedmont and distant, hazy Appalachian foothills. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay, New York City skyline and Long Island, Cape Cod, Nova Scotia coastline.
What can I see when landing at Dublin in Dublin?
When landing at Dublin (DUB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the westerly approach into Dublin's runway 28, aircraft typically swing south of the city to align with the runway, putting Dublin Bay, the Poolbeg towers, and the Wicklow Mountains on the left side of the cabin. The right side during this turn faces the flatter midlands with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Dublin Bay, Dublin city skyline, Poolbeg chimneys, Wicklow Mountains.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Dublin?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Dublin (DUB) takes about 6 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,593 miles (5,782 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Dublin flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean over the Grand Banks southeast of Newfoundland, with no land visible for several hours before the Irish coast comes into view