While takeoff favors the right for Lake Erie views, the landing approach over the Schuylkill River, downtown Philadelphia, and the Delaware River estuary is more visually distinctive and geographically significant. Left-side passengers see the most recognizable urban and water features on this route.
Flown CLE to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cleveland to Philadelphia is 362 miles (583 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Pennsylvania, passing over the Appalachian Plateau's rolling terrain and scattered towns. Notable midpoint features include the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachians (visible as parallel ridges running northeast-southwest), the Susquehanna River valley near Harrisburg, and the transition from industrial Ohio/Pennsylvania to the more rural farmland of Lancaster County. On clear days, the ridges of South Mountain and Blue Mountain appear as dark linear features on the horizon during cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLE
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the climb-out over Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River valley. CLE typically departs runways 24L/24R (westbound) or 06L/06R (eastbound); eastbound departures on 06 give the best view of the lake's northern shoreline and the industrial Flats district along the river.
Landing at PHL
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views during the descent into PHL. Approaching from the northwest (typical for CLE-PHL routing), aircraft descend over the Schuylkill River valley and central Pennsylvania farmland. Left seats see the river, downtown Philadelphia's skyline, and the Delaware River estuary before landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cleveland to Philadelphia. While takeoff favors the right for Lake Erie views, the landing approach over the Schuylkill River, downtown Philadelphia, and the Delaware River estuary is more visually distinctive and geographically significant. Left-side passengers see the most recognizable urban and water features on this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International in Cleveland?
During takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the climb-out over Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River valley. CLE typically departs runways 24L/24R (westbound) or 06L/06R (eastbound); eastbound departures on 06 give the best view of the lake's northern shoreline and the industrial Flats district along the river. Notable sights include: Lake Erie (northern horizon), Cuyahoga River and Cleveland Flats industrial zone, downtown Cleveland skyline (receding left), Shaker Heights residential grid.
What can I see when landing at Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views during the descent into PHL. Approaching from the northwest (typical for CLE-PHL routing), aircraft descend over the Schuylkill River valley and central Pennsylvania farmland. Left seats see the river, downtown Philadelphia's skyline, and the Delaware River estuary before landing. Notable sights include: Schuylkill River (winding through Philadelphia), downtown Philadelphia skyline and City Hall, Delaware River and waterfront, suburban sprawl of Chester and surrounding Chester County.
How long is the flight from Cleveland to Philadelphia?
The flight from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 362 miles (583 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cleveland to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Pennsylvania, passing over the Appalachian Plateau's rolling terrain and scattered towns. Notable midpoint features include the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachians (visible as parallel ridges running northeast-southwest), the Susquehanna River valley near Harrisburg, and the transition from industrial Ohio/Pennsylvania to the more rural farmland of Lancaster County. On clear days, the ridges of South Mountain and Blue Mountain appear as dark linear features on the horizon during cruise.