The right side wins because it captures both scenic bookends of the flight — Niagara Falls near departure and the Rocky Mountain Front Range with the Denver skyline on arrival — while the cruise phase over the flat Midwest offers little differentiation between sides.
Flown BUF to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Buffalo to Denver is 1,356 miles (2,182 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
Great Lakes basin near Cleveland, the flat farmland of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, the Mississippi River near the Iowa border, and the open plains of Nebraska before the Rockies come into view
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUF
RIGHTDeparting BUF on runway 23 toward the southwest, the initial climb passes close to the NiagRiver gorge and Niagara Falls, which lie just northwest of the airport and appear off the right side of the aircraft. Lake Erie's shoreline is also visible briefly on the right as the plane banks southwest.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTOn approach to DEN from the east, the Front Range of the Rockies becomes visible ahead and to the right as the aircraft descends and turns to align with the north-south runways. Passengers get a good look at the foothills and Denver's skyline before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to Denver. The right side wins because it captures both scenic bookends of the flight — Niagara Falls near departure and the Rocky Mountain Front Range with the Denver skyline on arrival — while the cruise phase over the flat Midwest offers little differentiation between sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
During takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BUF on runway 23 toward the southwest, the initial climb passes close to the NiagRiver gorge and Niagara Falls, which lie just northwest of the airport and appear off the right side of the aircraft. Lake Erie's shoreline is also visible briefly on the right as the plane banks southwest. Notable sights include: Niagara Falls, Niagara River gorge, Lake Erie shoreline, Buffalo's waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to DEN from the east, the Front Range of the Rockies becomes visible ahead and to the right as the aircraft descends and turns to align with the north-south runways. Passengers get a good look at the foothills and Denver's skyline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rockies, Longs Peak area, Denver downtown skyline, South Platte River valley.
How long is the flight from Buffalo to Denver?
The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,356 miles (2,182 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Buffalo to Denver flight path pass over?
Great Lakes basin near Cleveland, the flat farmland of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, the Mississippi River near the Iowa border, and the open plains of Nebraska before the Rockies come into view