The right side edges ahead because the Toronto skyline and lake departure view is more immediate and dramatic than the brief, distant glimpse of DC on arrival, even though both sides offer solid urban scenery bookending an otherwise unremarkable cruise over Pennsylvania farmland and low ridges.
Flown YTZ to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Washington is 339 miles (545 km), a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Lake Ontario shoreline, rolling farmland of upstate New York and Pennsylvania, low ridges of the Allegheny Plateau, Susquehanna River valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
RIGHTDeparting YTZ typically involves a turn toward the south-southeast, which swings the Toronto skyline and CN Tower into view on the right side as the aircraft climbs out over Lake Ontario. The lake's shoreline and downtown harbor add strong urban scenery right at departure.
Landing at IAD
LEFTOn approach into Dulles from the north, the descent path often passes east of the airport close enough that the Potomac River and the Washington DC skyline become visible on the left side of the aircraft before the final turn onto the runway. This gives a brief but recognizable urban landmark view just before landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Washington. The right side edges ahead because the Toronto skyline and lake departure view is more immediate and dramatic than the brief, distant glimpse of DC on arrival, even though both sides offer solid urban scenery bookending an otherwise unremarkable cruise over Pennsylvania farmland and low ridges.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YTZ typically involves a turn toward the south-southeast, which swings the Toronto skyline and CN Tower into view on the right side as the aircraft climbs out over Lake Ontario. The lake's shoreline and downtown harbor add strong urban scenery right at departure. Notable sights include: CN Tower, Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario shoreline.
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. On approach into Dulles from the north, the descent path often passes east of the airport close enough that the Potomac River and the Washington DC skyline become visible on the left side of the aircraft before the final turn onto the runway. This gives a brief but recognizable urban landmark view just before landing. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC skyline, Dulles Greenway corridor, Piedmont farmland.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Washington?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 339 miles (545 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Washington flight path pass over?
Lake Ontario shoreline, rolling farmland of upstate New York and Pennsylvania, low ridges of the Allegheny Plateau, Susquehanna River valley