Denver to Columbus is 1,151 miles (1,853 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The right side wins mainly on the strength of the Front Range and downtown Denver views during climb-out, which is the only stretch of real topographic drama on this route. Everything else, cruise over Kansas and Missouri farmland and the mostly flat Columbus approach, is scenically modest on both sides, so that single strong departure sequence tips the balance.
Flight Path
Flat agricultural plains of eastern Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri, with the Missouri River visible near Kansas City and the Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis before the route flattens further into Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio farmland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDEN's prevailing south/southwest winds mean departures typically roll south on the 17-series runways before turning east toward Ohio. During that initial southbound climb, the Front Range and downtown Denver sit off to the west, which is the right side of the aircraft, giving a brief but genuine mountain view before the plains take over.
Landing at CMH
LEFTCMH's westerly winds usually put aircraft on a westbound final approach into runway 28, arriving from the east. Downtown Columbus sits just south of the extended runway centerline, so it appears briefly off the left side of the cabin during the final 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 Port Columbus International (CMH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Columbus. The right side wins mainly on the strength of the Front Range and downtown Denver views during climb-out, which is the only stretch of real topographic drama on this route. Everything else, cruise over Kansas and Missouri farmland and the mostly flat Columbus approach, is scenically modest on both sides, so that single strong departure sequence tips the balance.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. DEN's prevailing south/southwest winds mean departures typically roll south on the 17-series runways before turning east toward Ohio. During that initial southbound climb, the Front Range and downtown Denver sit off to the west, which is the right side of the aircraft, giving a brief but genuine mountain view before the plains take over. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Mount Evans, Longs Peak, downtown Denver skyline.
What can I see when landing at Port Columbus International in Columbus?
When landing at Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Left side for the best views. CMH's westerly winds usually put aircraft on a westbound final approach into runway 28, arriving from the east. Downtown Columbus sits just south of the extended runway centerline, so it appears briefly off the left side of the cabin during the final descent. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline, Scioto River, flat Ohio farmland.
How long is the flight from Denver to Columbus?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Port Columbus International (CMH) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,151 miles (1,853 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Columbus flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of eastern Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri, with the Missouri River visible near Kansas City and the Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis before the route flattens further into Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio farmland.