About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Austin to Denver. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise portion heading north-northwest, the left side also tracks closer to the New Mexico highlands and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains visible on the western horizon, making it the stronger choice throughout the entire flight.
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. ABIA typically departs northwest on runway 17L/35R or northeast on 18L/36R. On a northbound departure toward Denver, climbing out to the northwest puts downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake on the left side. You get a clear view of the Colorado River corridor and the Austin skyline before the aircraft turns north. Notable sights include: Lady Bird Lake, Austin downtown skyline, Colorado River corridor, Lake Travis to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Denver International sits on the plains east of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the east or southeast on runways oriented north-south. On approach from the south, the left side faces west and gives a sustained, unobstructed view of the entire Front Range — the Rockies from Pikes Peak in the south all the way to Longs Peak in the north, with Denver's skyline visible in the middle distance against the mountains. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak, Denver skyline, Longs Peak.
How long is the flight from Austin to Denver?
The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Denver International (DEN) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Austin to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Texas Hill Country north of Austin, then the Edwards Plateau, before entering New Mexico airspace over the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains). Around the midpoint near Raton Pass area, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains become visible to the west. The flight then crosses the Colorado high plains, passing over the Purgatoire River drainage and the Spanish Peaks — two distinctive volcanic laccolith peaks near La Veta, Colorado — visible to the left side before the Front Range comes into full view on descent into Denver.