About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Denver. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the westbound cruise, the left side also faces south, which keeps the southern Rockies and eventually the Colorado high country in view during descent. The right side over Kansas and eastern Colorado offers little more than flat plains.
What can I see during takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. DCA typically departs northbound on Runway 1 or southbound on Runway 19. On a westbound departure to DEN, aircraft usually take off heading north over the Potomac then bank left (southwest). The left side captures the Washington Monument, National Mall, and Capitol building as the plane turns west over the city. Notable sights include: Washington Monument and National Mall, U.S. Capitol building, Potomac River, Arlington Memorial Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. DEN's primary westerly arrival runways (16L/16R or 35L/35R depending on winds) typically bring aircraft in from the east over the plains. On approach from the east, the left side faces south and southwest, giving a clear view of the Front Range including Pikes Peak and the Denver skyline against the mountains. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak (south), Denver skyline, Denver International Airport terminal and tent roof.
How long is the flight from Washington to Denver?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Denver International (DEN) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Washington to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Appalachian ridges of West Virginia briefly after departure, then transitions to the flat agricultural plains of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Over Missouri and Kansas the terrain is almost entirely flat with the Missouri and Kansas rivers visible as meandering brown ribbons. The Colorado border brings the first subtle rise of the high plains, and the Front Range becomes visible on the horizon roughly 100 miles out from Denver, with the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies growing steadily as the aircraft descends.