While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff offers more dramatic scenery with the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive segment of the flight.
Flown YUL to RDU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Raleigh-Durham is 713 miles (1,147 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, including views of the Allegheny Mountains and Ohio River valley. Over Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains appear as a distant ridge on the western horizon. The Shenandoah Valley is visible if the flight passes near it. Crossing into North Carolina, the terrain transitions from mountainous to Piedmont plateau with mixed forest and farmland. Major cities visible along the route include Pittsburgh area (if northerly routing), and Washington DC area (if southerly routing). The landscape gradually flattens as the aircraft approaches the coastal plain of North Carolina.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward before turning south. The river's broad expanse and forested ridgelines are distinctive from altitude.
Landing at RDU
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into RDU. The approach from the north passes over the Piedmont region, offering views of the Neuse River, Durham's urban area, and the transition from forested Piedmont to coastal plain terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Raleigh-Durham. While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff offers more dramatic scenery with the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive segment of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward before turning south. The river's broad expanse and forested ridgelines are distinctive from altitude. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains (Laurentides), Ottawa River valley, Lake of Two Mountains.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into RDU. The approach from the north passes over the Piedmont region, offering views of the Neuse River, Durham's urban area, and the transition from forested Piedmont to coastal plain terrain. Notable sights include: Neuse River, Durham-Raleigh urban corridor, Piedmont forest and farmland, Jordan Lake.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 713 miles (1,147 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, including views of the Allegheny Mountains and Ohio River valley. Over Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains appear as a distant ridge on the western horizon. The Shenandoah Valley is visible if the flight passes near it. Crossing into North Carolina, the terrain transitions from mountainous to Piedmont plateau with mixed forest and farmland. Major cities visible along the route include Pittsburgh area (if northerly routing), and Washington DC area (if southerly routing). The landscape gradually flattens as the aircraft approaches the coastal plain of North Carolina.