Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The Rocky Mountain Front Range view on departure is one of the most dramatic in US aviation, and the Hudson River and Catskills on arrival are genuinely scenic. The right side offers Nebraska and Iowa farmland in the middle of the flight, which is comparatively featureless.
Flown DEN to ALB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Albany is 1,606 miles (2,584 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast across the Nebraska Sandhills — a vast, lightly populated grass-covered dune landscape — then over Iowa and Illinois farmland, the Mississippi River crossing near the Quad Cities or Dubuque area, then across northern Indiana and Ohio, Lake Erie's southern shoreline visible to the north, the Appalachian Plateau of Pennsylvania, and finally the Catskill and Hudson Valley region on descent into Albany.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN's primary departure runway 35L/34R sends aircraft northward, and a left-side seat faces west toward the Front Range of the Rockies. You get a clear broadside view of the entire mountain wall from Pikes Peak in the south to Longs Peak in the north as you climb out over the plains.
Landing at ALB
LEFTAlbany International typically uses runway 01/19, with arrivals from the west on runway 01 heading northward. A left-side seat faces west and southwest, giving views over the Hudson River valley, the Catskill Mountains to the southwest, and the city of Albany along the Hudson as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Albany International (ALB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Albany. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The Rocky Mountain Front Range view on departure is one of the most dramatic in US aviation, and the Hudson River and Catskills on arrival are genuinely scenic. The right side offers Nebraska and Iowa farmland in the middle of the flight, which is comparatively featureless.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. DEN's primary departure runway 35L/34R sends aircraft northward, and a left-side seat faces west toward the Front Range of the Rockies. You get a clear broadside view of the entire mountain wall from Pikes Peak in the south to Longs Peak in the north as you climb out over the plains. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak, Pikes Peak (distant south), Denver city grid below.
What can I see when landing at Albany International in Albany?
When landing at Albany International (ALB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Albany International typically uses runway 01/19, with arrivals from the west on runway 01 heading northward. A left-side seat faces west and southwest, giving views over the Hudson River valley, the Catskill Mountains to the southwest, and the city of Albany along the Hudson as you descend. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, Albany city center along the Hudson, Adirondack foothills to the northwest.
How long is the flight from Denver to Albany?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Albany International (ALB) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,606 miles (2,584 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Albany flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast across the Nebraska Sandhills — a vast, lightly populated grass-covered dune landscape — then over Iowa and Illinois farmland, the Mississippi River crossing near the Quad Cities or Dubuque area, then across northern Indiana and Ohio, Lake Erie's southern shoreline visible to the north, the Appalachian Plateau of Pennsylvania, and finally the Catskill and Hudson Valley region on descent into Albany.