The right side edges out due to the strong Cincinnati skyline and Ohio River view during takeoff, while the cruise phase over flat Midwest farmland offers little differentiation between sides; landing views are comparable but less dramatic than the departure sequence.
Flown CVG to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cincinnati to Minneapolis is 596 miles (959 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of Indiana and southern Wisconsin, with the Wisconsin River valley occasionally visible below
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CVG
RIGHTDeparting CVG northbound over the Ohio River gives right-side passengers a view of downtown Cincinnati's skyline and the river bends before leveling over the flat Ohio/Indiana farmland. Left side just sees suburban Kentucky terrain.
Landing at MSP
LEFTArriving into MSP from the southeast, the approach path typically passes over the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis-St. Paul skyline area, which is more visible on the left side during the turn onto final for the northwest-facing runways. Right side sees mostly flat suburban terrain.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International (CVG) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cincinnati to Minneapolis. The right side edges out due to the strong Cincinnati skyline and Ohio River view during takeoff, while the cruise phase over flat Midwest farmland offers little differentiation between sides; landing views are comparable but less dramatic than the departure sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International in Cincinnati?
During takeoff from Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International (CVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CVG northbound over the Ohio River gives right-side passengers a view of downtown Cincinnati's skyline and the river bends before leveling over the flat Ohio/Indiana farmland. Left side just sees suburban Kentucky terrain. Notable sights include: Ohio River, Cincinnati skyline, Northern Kentucky suburbs.
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. Arriving into MSP from the southeast, the approach path typically passes over the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis-St. Paul skyline area, which is more visible on the left side during the turn onto final for the northwest-facing runways. Right side sees mostly flat suburban terrain. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Minneapolis downtown skyline, Twin Cities lakes.
How long is the flight from Cincinnati to Minneapolis?
The flight from Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International (CVG) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 596 miles (959 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cincinnati to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of Indiana and southern Wisconsin, with the Wisconsin River valley occasionally visible below