While the left offers good views during departure, the right side captures the dramatic Front Range mountains during the approach to Denver, which is the more visually striking portion of this flight. The mountain scenery on descent outweighs the Hill Country views on takeoff.
Flown AUS to BJC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Austin to Denver is 792 miles (1,274 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Texas (Waco area), then transitions into the Edwards Plateau and Llano Uplift region. As the aircraft climbs to cruise altitude, the landscape becomes progressively more arid moving northwest. The Brazos River and Colorado River systems are visible during the initial climb. Over west-central Texas, the terrain flattens into the Permian Basin. Approaching Colorado, the Raton Pass area and the transition from high plains to the Front Range foothills become visible. The South Platte River drainage system becomes prominent in the final descent corridor into Denver.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUS
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Colorado River and the Hill Country terrain as the aircraft climbs northwest out of Austin. The right side faces southeast toward flat terrain with minimal visual interest.
Landing at BJC
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Front Range peaks and the approach corridor over the Denver metropolitan area. The left side faces the plains with less dramatic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Austin to Denver. While the left offers good views during departure, the right side captures the dramatic Front Range mountains during the approach to Denver, which is the more visually striking portion of this flight. The mountain scenery on descent outweighs the Hill Country views on takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
During takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Colorado River and the Hill Country terrain as the aircraft climbs northwest out of Austin. The right side faces southeast toward flat terrain with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Colorado River (winding through central Austin), Lake Travis (northwest of departure), Hill Country ridgelines (northwest horizon).
What can I see when landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
When landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Front Range peaks and the approach corridor over the Denver metropolitan area. The left side faces the plains with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Front Range mountains (Rocky Mountain peaks including Mount Evans area), Denver metropolitan sprawl, South Platte River valley.
How long is the flight from Austin to Denver?
The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 792 miles (1,274 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Austin to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Texas (Waco area), then transitions into the Edwards Plateau and Llano Uplift region. As the aircraft climbs to cruise altitude, the landscape becomes progressively more arid moving northwest. The Brazos River and Colorado River systems are visible during the initial climb. Over west-central Texas, the terrain flattens into the Permian Basin. Approaching Colorado, the Raton Pass area and the transition from high plains to the Front Range foothills become visible. The South Platte River drainage system becomes prominent in the final descent corridor into Denver.