The right side captures the only real terrain drama on this route — the Rockies at departure and a glimpse of Chicago and Lake Michigan's southern shoreline near cruise — plus a scenic river and skyline view on arrival into Detroit, while the left side offers mostly featureless plains throughout.
Flown DEN to DET? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Detroit is 1,138 miles (1,831 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, the Missouri River, and the southern tip of Lake Michigan near Chicago along the flight path before descending into southern Michigan
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDeparting DEN eastbound, the initial climb and turn briefly reveal the Front Range and the Rockies' foothills receding to the southwest — a dramatic backdrop that's absent on the north-facing side, which shows only Denver's flat suburban grid.
Landing at DET
RIGHTOn approach into Detroit City Airport, flights arriving from the west often bank over the Detroit River, giving a right-side view of downtown Detroit's skyline and the Ambassador Bridge before touchdown, while the left side mostly faces flat residential Michigan terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Detroit City (DET)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Detroit. The right side captures the only real terrain drama on this route — the Rockies at departure and a glimpse of Chicago and Lake Michigan's southern shoreline near cruise — plus a scenic river and skyline view on arrival into Detroit, while the left side offers mostly featureless plains throughout.
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. Departing DEN eastbound, the initial climb and turn briefly reveal the Front Range and the Rockies' foothills receding to the southwest — a dramatic backdrop that's absent on the north-facing side, which shows only Denver's flat suburban grid. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Rocky Mountain peaks, Denver metro grid, South Platte River valley.
What can I see when landing at Detroit City in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Detroit City Airport, flights arriving from the west often bank over the Detroit River, giving a right-side view of downtown Detroit's skyline and the Ambassador Bridge before touchdown, while the left side mostly faces flat residential Michigan terrain. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline (Renaissance Center), Ambassador Bridge, Windsor, Ontario shoreline.
How long is the flight from Denver to Detroit?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Detroit City (DET) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,138 miles (1,831 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Detroit flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, the Missouri River, and the southern tip of Lake Michigan near Chicago along the flight path before descending into southern Michigan