While right offers good takeoff views of Florida's lakes, left provides superior landing scenery with iconic Washington DC landmarks and the Potomac River. Since landing views are typically more memorable and the flight path spends more time in the DC approach corridor, left wins overall.
Flown SFB to DCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Washington is 737 miles (1,185 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible around the Virginia-West Virginia border), with the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley being the most prominent midpoint features. You'll also pass over the Piedmont region of North Carolina and Virginia, characterized by rolling terrain and scattered lakes. The Atlantic coastal plain transitions gradually to the Appalachian foothills around the North Carolina-Virginia border.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFB
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Florida peninsula's lake systems and wetlands immediately after departure. You'll see the chain of lakes that dot central Florida stretching northward, which are distinctive and visible within the first 10-15 minutes of climb-out.
Landing at DCA
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views during descent into DCA. You'll see the Potomac River's distinctive curves, the Washington Monument and Capitol Building area, and the broader Appalachian foothills to the west—all classic DC landmarks visible from the approach corridor.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Washington. While right offers good takeoff views of Florida's lakes, left provides superior landing scenery with iconic Washington DC landmarks and the Potomac River. Since landing views are typically more memorable and the flight path spends more time in the DC approach corridor, left wins overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando Sanford International Airport in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Florida peninsula's lake systems and wetlands immediately after departure. You'll see the chain of lakes that dot central Florida stretching northward, which are distinctive and visible within the first 10-15 minutes of climb-out. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka (large, irregular shape directly north), Wekiwa Springs State Park wetlands, chain of smaller lakes extending northeast toward Daytona, Atlantic coastline visible on the distant eastern horizon.
What can I see when landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
When landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views during descent into DCA. You'll see the Potomac River's distinctive curves, the Washington Monument and Capitol Building area, and the broader Appalachian foothills to the west—all classic DC landmarks visible from the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Potomac River with its characteristic meanders, Washington Monument and National Mall area, Arlington National Cemetery (visible as organized grid pattern on Virginia side), Blue Ridge Mountains as distant western horizon.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Washington?
The flight from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 737 miles (1,185 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Washington flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible around the Virginia-West Virginia border), with the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley being the most prominent midpoint features. You'll also pass over the Piedmont region of North Carolina and Virginia, characterized by rolling terrain and scattered lakes. The Atlantic coastal plain transitions gradually to the Appalachian foothills around the North Carolina-Virginia border.