Columbus to Minneapolis flight pathCMHMSP

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

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

Flight time1h 45m
Distance625
Heading306° → 299°
Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 1.5 left·★ 1.5 right

The left side wins narrowly due to the Mississippi River and Twin Cities skyline visible during the MSP approach, while the rest of the flight over flat Midwest terrain offers little distinction between sides.

Flown CMH to MSP? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Columbus to Minneapolis is 625 miles (1,005 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Flat agricultural plains of Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin, with the occasional glimpse of the Wisconsin River valley near cruise altitude.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from CMH

RIGHT

Departing CMH toward the northwest, the right side offers a brief view of downtown Columbus's modest skyline and the Scioto River confluence before the plane climbs over flat Ohio farmland.

Downtown Columbus skylineScioto RiverOhio State University campus area
CMH Port Columbus InternationalColumbus, United States
Aerial window seat view during landing at Minneapolis (left side) — Mississippi River, Minneapolis downtown skyline, St. Paul downtown, Minnehaha Creek confluence

Landing at MSP

LEFT

On approach to MSP from the southeast, the left side offers views of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis-St. Paul urban core, including downtown skylines and the river gorge, before landing.

Mississippi RiverMinneapolis downtown skylineSt. Paul downtownMinnehaha Creek confluence
MSP Minneapolis St Paul InternationalHub for Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Columbus to Minneapolis. The left side wins narrowly due to the Mississippi River and Twin Cities skyline visible during the MSP approach, while the rest of the flight over flat Midwest terrain offers little distinction between sides.

What can I see during takeoff from Port Columbus International in Columbus?

During takeoff from Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CMH toward the northwest, the right side offers a brief view of downtown Columbus's modest skyline and the Scioto River confluence before the plane climbs over flat Ohio farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline, Scioto River, Ohio State University campus area.

What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?

When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to MSP from the southeast, the left side offers views of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis-St. Paul urban core, including downtown skylines and the river gorge, before landing. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Minneapolis downtown skyline, St. Paul downtown, Minnehaha Creek confluence.

How long is the flight from Columbus to Minneapolis?

The flight from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 625 miles (1,005 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Columbus to Minneapolis flight path pass over?

Flat agricultural plains of Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin, with the occasional glimpse of the Wisconsin River valley near cruise altitude.