The right side wins overall because the San Diego Bay and Coronado Island departure view is one of the most visually striking urban coastal departures in the US. The landing view from the left at Dulles is interesting but relatively flat and suburban. If you had to pick one side for the whole flight, right gives you the dramatic water and city departure, and across the Southwest you get glimpses of the Mojave, Colorado River, and Rockies on the right side as well.
Flown SAN to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Washington is 2,248 miles (3,618 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
After departing San Diego the route typically tracks northeast over the Mojave Desert, then across Arizona with the Colorado River crossing visible, over the Four Corners region with the Colorado Plateau and canyon country, across the southern Rockies near Albuquerque, then the flat expanse of the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, crossing the Ozarks into the mid-Atlantic states through Tennessee and Virginia before descending into Dulles.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTSAN's primary departure runway is 27 (heading west over the bay), then aircraft turn northward. Right side gives you San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the downtown skyline as you climb out. The left side faces inland toward Mission Hills and gets the urban sprawl without the water.
Landing at IAD
LEFTDulles typically uses runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on winds. On the common northbound approach to runway 01, aircraft track over northern Virginia from the southwest. Left side gives you the best view of the Potomac River, the Washington Monument and Capitol dome in the far distance, and the Virginia suburbs. Right side faces away toward rural Loudoun County.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Washington. The right side wins overall because the San Diego Bay and Coronado Island departure view is one of the most visually striking urban coastal departures in the US. The landing view from the left at Dulles is interesting but relatively flat and suburban. If you had to pick one side for the whole flight, right gives you the dramatic water and city departure, and across the Southwest you get glimpses of the Mojave, Colorado River, and Rockies on the right side as well.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. SAN's primary departure runway is 27 (heading west over the bay), then aircraft turn northward. Right side gives you San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the downtown skyline as you climb out. The left side faces inland toward Mission Hills and gets the urban sprawl without the water. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Island and the Hotel Del Coronado, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically uses runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on winds. On the common northbound approach to runway 01, aircraft track over northern Virginia from the southwest. Left side gives you the best view of the Potomac River, the Washington Monument and Capitol dome in the far distance, and the Virginia suburbs. Right side faces away toward rural Loudoun County. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC monuments visible on the horizon, Tysons Corner urban cluster, Dulles Access Road corridor.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Washington?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,248 miles (3,618 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Washington flight path pass over?
After departing San Diego the route typically tracks northeast over the Mojave Desert, then across Arizona with the Colorado River crossing visible, over the Four Corners region with the Colorado Plateau and canyon country, across the southern Rockies near Albuquerque, then the flat expanse of the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, crossing the Ozarks into the mid-Atlantic states through Tennessee and Virginia before descending into Dulles.