While the Toronto departure gives a nice skyline glimpse, the River Visual arrival into DCA is one of the most recognizable scenic approaches in North America, with the Potomac and national monuments passing directly beneath on the left side.
Flown YYZ to DCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Washington is 359 miles (578 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Lake Ontario shoreline, the forested ridgelines of the Appalachian Plateau across upstate New York and Pennsylvania, and the Susquehanna River valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
RIGHTDeparting YYZ toward the southeast, the right side offers a brief but clear view of the Toronto skyline and the CN Tower against Lake Ontario before the aircraft turns south over open water.
Landing at DCA
LEFTThe River Visual approach to Runway 19 tracks south along the Potomac, and on the final descent the left side faces east toward downtown Washington, revealing the Washington Monument, the Capitol dome, and the National Mall in quick succession.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Washington. While the Toronto departure gives a nice skyline glimpse, the River Visual arrival into DCA is one of the most recognizable scenic approaches in North America, with the Potomac and national monuments passing directly beneath on the left side.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YYZ toward the southeast, the right side offers a brief but clear view of the Toronto skyline and the CN Tower against Lake Ontario before the aircraft turns south over open water. Notable sights include: CN Tower, Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario shoreline.
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. The River Visual approach to Runway 19 tracks south along the Potomac, and on the final descent the left side faces east toward downtown Washington, revealing the Washington Monument, the Capitol dome, and the National Mall in quick succession. Notable sights include: Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol dome, National Mall, Potomac River.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Washington?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 359 miles (578 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Washington flight path pass over?
Lake Ontario shoreline, the forested ridgelines of the Appalachian Plateau across upstate New York and Pennsylvania, and the Susquehanna River valley