Richmond to New York flight pathRICJFK

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Flight time1h 05m
Distance288
Heading040° → 042°

Richmond to New York is 288 miles (463 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.

Best side
Left

Left side delivers the best views at both ends of this short flight — the James River and Richmond on departure, and Jamaica Bay with the New York coastline on approach. During the cruise portion over New Jersey and Delaware, the left side also tracks closer to the Delaware River and the Philadelphia metro area.

Takeoff · RICLEFTJames River curves below Richmond, downtown Richmond skyline, I-95 corridor heading north
Landing · JFKLEFTJamaica Bay and its barrier islands, Rockaway Peninsula, Atlantic Ocean coastline

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The flight tracks northeast over the Virginia Piedmont, crosses the Potomac River near the DC suburbs, passes over the Maryland and Delaware coastal plain, crosses the Delaware River near Wilmington or Philadelphia, then traverses central New Jersey before descending toward Jamaica Bay. The Chesapeake Bay's northern reaches and the Delaware Bay are the most visually distinctive geographic features at cruise altitude along this corridor.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from RIC

LEFT

RIC typically departs northeast on runway 16/34 or 02/20. A northeast departure puts the James River and downtown Richmond skyline on the left side as the aircraft climbs out and turns north. You get a clear look at the river's broad curves and the city grid before heading toward the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

James River curves below Richmonddowntown Richmond skylineI-95 corridor heading northPocahontas State Park forest to the southwest
Aerial window seat view during landing at New York (left side) — Jamaica Bay and its barrier islands, Rockaway Peninsula, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Brooklyn waterfront and lower Manhattan skyline on the distant horizon

Landing at JFK

LEFT

JFK primarily uses runways 13L/31R and 04L/22R. Arrivals from the southwest on runway 13L approach over Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway Peninsula, putting Jamaica Bay, the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, and the Brooklyn waterfront on the left side. This gives a dramatic view of the bay's shallow tidal flats and the New York Harbor approach.

Jamaica Bay and its barrier islandsRockaway PeninsulaAtlantic Ocean coastlineBrooklyn waterfront and lower Manhattan skyline on the distant horizon

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Richmond International (RIC) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Richmond to New York. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of this short flight — the James River and Richmond on departure, and Jamaica Bay with the New York coastline on approach. During the cruise portion over New Jersey and Delaware, the left side also tracks closer to the Delaware River and the Philadelphia metro area.

What can I see during takeoff from Richmond International in Richmond?

During takeoff from Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Left side for the best views. RIC typically departs northeast on runway 16/34 or 02/20. A northeast departure puts the James River and downtown Richmond skyline on the left side as the aircraft climbs out and turns north. You get a clear look at the river's broad curves and the city grid before heading toward the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Notable sights include: James River curves below Richmond, downtown Richmond skyline, I-95 corridor heading north, Pocahontas State Park forest to the southwest.

What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?

When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK primarily uses runways 13L/31R and 04L/22R. Arrivals from the southwest on runway 13L approach over Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway Peninsula, putting Jamaica Bay, the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, and the Brooklyn waterfront on the left side. This gives a dramatic view of the bay's shallow tidal flats and the New York Harbor approach. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay and its barrier islands, Rockaway Peninsula, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Brooklyn waterfront and lower Manhattan skyline on the distant horizon.

How long is the flight from Richmond to New York?

The flight from Richmond International (RIC) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 288 miles (463 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Richmond to New York flight path pass over?

The flight tracks northeast over the Virginia Piedmont, crosses the Potomac River near the DC suburbs, passes over the Maryland and Delaware coastal plain, crosses the Delaware River near Wilmington or Philadelphia, then traverses central New Jersey before descending toward Jamaica Bay. The Chesapeake Bay's northern reaches and the Delaware Bay are the most visually distinctive geographic features at cruise altitude along this corridor.