About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Washington. The left side wins overall for the spectacular Montreal departure view over Mount Royal and the St. Lawrence. Mid-flight the left side also tracks closer to the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain corridor, offering more geographic interest than the right side's view over Vermont and New Hampshire interior. The landing advantage on the right is real but less dramatic than the takeoff payoff on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Montreal's primary departure runway 24L sends aircraft southwest, putting the left side over the St. Lawrence River and the Montreal city core including the distinctive Mount Royal hill. The right side faces suburban sprawl toward Laval. Notable sights include: Mount Royal (the forested hill dominating central Montreal), St. Lawrence River (wide and unmistakable), Old Montreal waterfront, Île-des-Soeurs (Nun's Island) at the river bend.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Dulles typically receives aircraft from the northeast on approaches to runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R. On a northeast arrival, the right side gives views over the Virginia suburbs, the Potomac River, and the broader DC skyline in the distance to the east. The left side faces west toward the Blue Ridge foothills. Notable sights include: Potomac River (visible as a wide silver ribbon to the east), Dulles Access Road corridor, Tysons Corner office cluster, Blue Ridge Mountains on the western horizon.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Washington?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
What does the Montreal to Washington flight path pass over?
Lake Champlain (long narrow lake on the NY-Vermont border), Adirondack Mountains (visible to the left/west as a broad highland), Green Mountains of Vermont (right/east side), Hudson River Valley cutting north-south through New York State, Catskill Mountains in southern New York, Susquehanna River valley in Pennsylvania, and the rolling Appalachian ridges of central Pennsylvania before descending into the Virginia Piedmont