Columbus to Chicago flight path: CMH to ORD

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Columbus to Chicago. The short, flat route between Columbus and Chicago offers little scenery over farmland, so the deciding factor is the arrival: the right side's view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline outshines the modest Columbus skyline glimpse on departure.

During takeoff from Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CMH on the westerly-favored runway, the initial climb passes just north of downtown Columbus, putting the skyline and the Scioto River bend on the left side of the aircraft. The right side only shows flat suburban sprawl fading into farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline, Scioto River, Ohio State University campus area, surrounding farmland grid.

When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving from the southeast, flights into ORD typically pass just south of downtown before turning to land on the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a clear view across Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The left side faces only flat Illinois suburbs. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop towers), Lake Michigan shoreline, Museum Campus/Grant Park green space, dense grid of southside neighborhoods.

The flight from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 295 miles (475 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

Flat farmland of western Ohio and eastern Indiana, with the Wabash River valley crossed roughly midway before the terrain flattens further into Illinois farmland approaching Chicago.