Buffalo to Chicago flight pathBUFMDW

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 45m
Distance467
Heading263° → 257°
Best side
Right
★ 1.5 left·★ 3.0 right

The right side offers the only real scenic interest on this short flight - Lake Erie during departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan during arrival - while the left side stays flat and featureless throughout.

Takeoff · BUFRIGHTLake Erie shoreline, Buffalo waterfront, Niagara River outlet
Landing · MDWRIGHTLake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop)

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Flat farmland of northern Ohio and Indiana, with the southern edge of the Great Lakes basin visible intermittently to the north

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from BUF

RIGHT

Departing BUF on runway 23, the climb-out curves the aircraft south of Lake Erie, putting the lake's blue expanse and the Buffalo waterfront on the right side of the plane. The left side only shows flat suburban sprawl with no distinguishing features.

Lake Erie shorelineBuffalo waterfrontNiagara River outlet
Aerial window seat view during landing at Chicago (right side) — Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Chicago's south side suburbs

Landing at MDW

RIGHT

On approach into Midway from the east, the flight path skirts south of Lake Michigan, giving right-side passengers a view of the lake's shoreline and the Chicago skyline in the distance before the final turn to landing. The left side shows only flat Illinois farmland and suburbs.

Lake Michigan shorelineChicago skyline (Willis TowerLoop)Chicago's south side suburbs

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to Chicago. The right side offers the only real scenic interest on this short flight - Lake Erie during departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan during arrival - while the left side stays flat and featureless throughout.

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, the climb-out curves the aircraft south of Lake Erie, putting the lake's blue expanse and the Buffalo waterfront on the right side of the plane. The left side only shows flat suburban sprawl with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Buffalo waterfront, Niagara River outlet.

What can I see when landing at Chicago Midway International in Chicago?

When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Midway from the east, the flight path skirts south of Lake Michigan, giving right-side passengers a view of the lake's shoreline and the Chicago skyline in the distance before the final turn to landing. The left side shows only flat Illinois farmland and suburbs. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Chicago's south side suburbs.

How long is the flight from Buffalo to Chicago?

The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes 1h 47m.

What does the Buffalo to Chicago flight path pass over?

Flat farmland of northern Ohio and Indiana, with the southern edge of the Great Lakes basin visible intermittently to the north