Buffalo to Chicago flight pathBUFORD

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 35m
Distance472
Heading265° → 259°
Best side
Right
★ 1.5 left·★ 2.5 right

The right side offers glimpses of Lake Erie at departure and a strong view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on arrival, while the left side sees only flat, featureless Midwest farmland for the entire flight.

Flown BUF to ORD? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Buffalo to Chicago is 472 miles (760 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.

Flat agricultural plains of northern Ohio and Indiana, with the Maumee River valley near Toledo passing beneath the route

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from BUF

RIGHT

Departing BUF on runway 23 the aircraft turns southwest, and passengers on the right (north) side get a brief look back at the Lake Erie shoreline and Buffalo's waterfront before the plane settles onto its westbound cruise track over flat farmland.

Lake Erie shorelineBuffalo waterfrontNiagara River outlet
BUF Buffalo Niagara InternationalBuffalo, United States
Aerial window seat view during landing at Chicago (right side) — Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area, Loop skyscrapers

Landing at ORD

RIGHT

On typical east-to-west arrivals into ORD, the approach path crosses south Lake Michigan, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Chicago skyline and lakefront before the turn onto final approach over the western suburbs.

Chicago skylineLake Michigan shorelineNavy Pier areaLoop skyscrapers
ORD Chicago Ohare InternationalHub for United Airlines, American Airlines

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About This Route

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

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to Chicago. The right side offers glimpses of Lake Erie at departure and a strong view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on arrival, while the left side sees only flat, featureless Midwest farmland for the entire flight.

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 aircraft turns southwest, and passengers on the right (north) side get a brief look back at the Lake Erie shoreline and Buffalo's waterfront before the plane settles onto its westbound cruise track over flat farmland. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Buffalo waterfront, Niagara River outlet.

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

When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On typical east-to-west arrivals into ORD, the approach path crosses south Lake Michigan, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Chicago skyline and lakefront before the turn onto final approach over the western suburbs. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area, Loop skyscrapers.

How long is the flight from Buffalo to Chicago?

The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 472 miles (760 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Buffalo to Chicago flight path pass over?

Flat agricultural plains of northern Ohio and Indiana, with the Maumee River valley near Toledo passing beneath the route