While takeoff offers Richmond's river views, the landing approach into Bangor provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—Penobscot Bay and Maine's rocky coast are visually distinctive and occupy a larger portion of the descent. The left side captures this better.
Flown RIC to BGR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Richmond to Bangor is 670 miles (1,078 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and New York, passing east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Notable midpoint features include the Susquehanna River valley (visible during climb-out from Richmond), the Hudson River valley in New York, and the transition into New England's lower mountains and lakes region. The Catskill Mountains appear to the west (left) during cruise. As you approach Maine, the terrain becomes increasingly forested with scattered lakes visible through breaks in the tree cover.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RIC
RIGHTRight side offers views of the James River and downtown Richmond's skyline during initial climb. The river curves distinctly through the city, providing clear visual reference as you gain altitude northeastward.
Landing at BGR
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views of Penobscot Bay and the Maine coast during descent into Bangor. The bay's distinctive shape and rocky shoreline are clearly visible, along with Acadia National Park's mountains in the distance to the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Richmond International (RIC) to Bangor International (BGR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Richmond to Bangor. While takeoff offers Richmond's river views, the landing approach into Bangor provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—Penobscot Bay and Maine's rocky coast are visually distinctive and occupy a larger portion of the descent. The left side captures this better.
What can I see during takeoff from Richmond International in Richmond?
During takeoff from Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the James River and downtown Richmond's skyline during initial climb. The river curves distinctly through the city, providing clear visual reference as you gain altitude northeastward. Notable sights include: James River, Richmond downtown skyline, Henrico County suburban sprawl, Virginia piedmont terrain.
What can I see when landing at Bangor International in Bangor?
When landing at Bangor International (BGR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views of Penobscot Bay and the Maine coast during descent into Bangor. The bay's distinctive shape and rocky shoreline are clearly visible, along with Acadia National Park's mountains in the distance to the south. Notable sights include: Penobscot Bay, Maine rocky coastline, Acadia Mountains (distant), Penobscot River estuary.
How long is the flight from Richmond to Bangor?
The flight from Richmond International (RIC) to Bangor International (BGR) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 670 miles (1,078 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Richmond to Bangor flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and New York, passing east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Notable midpoint features include the Susquehanna River valley (visible during climb-out from Richmond), the Hudson River valley in New York, and the transition into New England's lower mountains and lakes region. The Catskill Mountains appear to the west (left) during cruise. As you approach Maine, the terrain becomes increasingly forested with scattered lakes visible through breaks in the tree cover.