Cockburn Town to Washington is 1,042 miles (1,678 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
The left side wins overall because the departure view over San Salvador's reefs and the Bahamian island chain is spectacular and unique — you track up through the Bahamas with multiple island and reef views on the left side for the first hour of flight. The landing right-side DC view is excellent but more familiar to frequent travelers. The Bahamian reef departure is the highlight of this route.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest from San Salvador across the central Bahamas, passing near Cat Island and Eleuthera visible below in the first 30 minutes. The aircraft then crosses the Florida Straits and the Gulf Stream — visible as a deep blue current boundary — before tracking over the Florida peninsula or just offshore. Continuing north, the flight crosses the Carolinas' coastal plain, then the Virginia piedmont, with the Appalachian foothills visible to the west as a low blue-grey ridge on the horizon in the final hour of flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZSA
LEFTSan Salvador's runway 12/30 means departures heading northwest toward the US will initially track over the island's interior and western shoreline. The left side captures the full length of San Salvador's distinctive coastline, the shallow turquoise reef systems, and the open Atlantic to the west as the aircraft banks northward.
Landing at IAD
RIGHTDulles typically uses runways 01L/R for northbound arrivals, meaning the approach comes from the south-southwest. The right side on final approach looks east toward the DC skyline, the Potomac River corridor, and the Virginia suburbs spreading out below. You get a clear view of the Capitol dome and monuments if visibility is good on a daytime arrival.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 San Salvador (ZSA) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cockburn Town to Washington. The left side wins overall because the departure view over San Salvador's reefs and the Bahamian island chain is spectacular and unique — you track up through the Bahamas with multiple island and reef views on the left side for the first hour of flight. The landing right-side DC view is excellent but more familiar to frequent travelers. The Bahamian reef departure is the highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from San Salvador in Cockburn Town?
During takeoff from San Salvador (ZSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. San Salvador's runway 12/30 means departures heading northwest toward the US will initially track over the island's interior and western shoreline. The left side captures the full length of San Salvador's distinctive coastline, the shallow turquoise reef systems, and the open Atlantic to the west as the aircraft banks northward. Notable sights include: San Salvador's western barrier reef, Fernandez Bay lagoon, the island's salt lakes visible inland, open Atlantic stretching west.
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 uses runways 01L/R for northbound arrivals, meaning the approach comes from the south-southwest. The right side on final approach looks east toward the DC skyline, the Potomac River corridor, and the Virginia suburbs spreading out below. You get a clear view of the Capitol dome and monuments if visibility is good on a daytime arrival. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC Mall and Capitol dome (distant), Tysons Corner urban cluster, Virginia piedmont suburbs.
How long is the flight from Cockburn Town to Washington?
The flight from San Salvador (ZSA) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,042 miles (1,678 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cockburn Town to Washington flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest from San Salvador across the central Bahamas, passing near Cat Island and Eleuthera visible below in the first 30 minutes. The aircraft then crosses the Florida Straits and the Gulf Stream — visible as a deep blue current boundary — before tracking over the Florida peninsula or just offshore. Continuing north, the flight crosses the Carolinas' coastal plain, then the Virginia piedmont, with the Appalachian foothills visible to the west as a low blue-grey ridge on the horizon in the final hour of flight.