The left side delivers the most spectacular moment of the flight — the full panorama of the Front Range and Rocky Mountain foothills on departure from Denver, which is far more visually dramatic than the Nashville arrival views. The right side wins on landing, but the Rockies on takeoff are the highlight of this route.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Kansas and Oklahoma high plains — largely flat agricultural land with center-pivot irrigation circles visible from altitude. Over eastern Kansas and Missouri the terrain becomes more rolling with the Ozark Plateau visible as a low, forested upland. The Mississippi River may be visible near the Missouri-Tennessee border depending on exact routing, and the Tennessee River valley appears as the flight descends into Middle Tennessee.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN typically departs east on runway 16R/34L or 17R/35L, then turns east before banking southeast toward Nashville. Left-side passengers get a clear view back toward the Front Range of the Rockies — the most dramatic scenery of the entire flight. The Continental Divide ridgeline and Denver's grid are both visible during the climbing turn.
Landing at BNA
RIGHTBNA's primary arrival from the west typically uses runway 02L/20R or approaches from the northwest, putting the Cumberland River and downtown Nashville on the right side during final approach. Right-seat passengers get a direct view of the Nashville skyline and the river bends on descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Nashville International (BNA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Nashville. The left side delivers the most spectacular moment of the flight — the full panorama of the Front Range and Rocky Mountain foothills on departure from Denver, which is far more visually dramatic than the Nashville arrival views. The right side wins on landing, but the Rockies on takeoff are the highlight of this route.
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 typically departs east on runway 16R/34L or 17R/35L, then turns east before banking southeast toward Nashville. Left-side passengers get a clear view back toward the Front Range of the Rockies — the most dramatic scenery of the entire flight. The Continental Divide ridgeline and Denver's grid are both visible during the climbing turn. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak, Denver city grid and downtown skyline, Cherry Creek Reservoir.
What can I see when landing at Nashville International in Nashville?
When landing at Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. BNA's primary arrival from the west typically uses runway 02L/20R or approaches from the northwest, putting the Cumberland River and downtown Nashville on the right side during final approach. Right-seat passengers get a direct view of the Nashville skyline and the river bends on descent. Notable sights include: Cumberland River and its downtown bends, Nashville downtown skyline, Percy Priest Lake to the southeast, Nissan Stadium.
How long is the flight from Denver to Nashville?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Nashville International (BNA) takes Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Denver to Nashville flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Kansas and Oklahoma high plains — largely flat agricultural land with center-pivot irrigation circles visible from altitude. Over eastern Kansas and Missouri the terrain becomes more rolling with the Ozark Plateau visible as a low, forested upland. The Mississippi River may be visible near the Missouri-Tennessee border depending on exact routing, and the Tennessee River valley appears as the flight descends into Middle Tennessee.