The takeoff climb-out from Cedar Rapids offers more distinctive natural features (river valleys and agricultural patterns) than the landing approach, which is dominated by suburban sprawl. Right-side seats capture the scenic Iowa landscape during the most visually interesting phase of the flight.
Flown CID to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cedar Rapids to Chicago is 196 miles (315 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Illinois, passing over the Illinois River valley and farmland between Cedar Rapids and Chicago. You'll see the transition from Iowa's rolling agricultural landscape to Illinois's flatter prairie terrain, with scattered small towns and the gradual increase in suburban development as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CID
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cedar River and the Iowa River valley as you climb out heading northeast toward Chicago. You'll see the confluence of these waterways and the patchwork of agricultural fields that characterize east-central Iowa.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Chicago, including the Des Plaines River, the Illinois prairie landscape, and eventually the Chicago metropolitan area sprawl as you approach O'Hare from the northwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cedar Rapids to Chicago. The takeoff climb-out from Cedar Rapids offers more distinctive natural features (river valleys and agricultural patterns) than the landing approach, which is dominated by suburban sprawl. Right-side seats capture the scenic Iowa landscape during the most visually interesting phase of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids?
During takeoff from The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Cedar River and the Iowa River valley as you climb out heading northeast toward Chicago. You'll see the confluence of these waterways and the patchwork of agricultural fields that characterize east-central Iowa. Notable sights include: Cedar River, Iowa River valley, agricultural grid pattern of Linn County, small towns dotting the landscape.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Chicago, including the Des Plaines River, the Illinois prairie landscape, and eventually the Chicago metropolitan area sprawl as you approach O'Hare from the northwest. Notable sights include: Des Plaines River, Illinois prairie and farmland, Chicago suburban development, Lake Michigan shoreline (distant).
How long is the flight from Cedar Rapids to Chicago?
The flight from The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 196 miles (315 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cedar Rapids to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Illinois, passing over the Illinois River valley and farmland between Cedar Rapids and Chicago. You'll see the transition from Iowa's rolling agricultural landscape to Illinois's flatter prairie terrain, with scattered small towns and the gradual increase in suburban development as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area.