The takeoff climb from Denver offers more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Rocky Mountain Front Range dominating the view. While the landing into Columbus provides some river and urban detail, the westbound departure from Denver gives you the more visually striking geography for the majority of the climb phase.
Flown DEN to LCK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Columbus is 1,151 miles (1,852 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains eastward, passing over eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Notable features include the Arkansas River valley (visible around the 1-hour mark), the High Plains terrain with scattered buttes and mesas, and eventually the transition into the flatter agricultural landscape of Kansas and Missouri. The Smoky Hills region of Kansas and the Missouri River valley appear in the final approach phase before entering Ohio airspace.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Front Range as the aircraft climbs northeast from Denver. You'll see the Rocky Mountains rising dramatically to the west and northwest, with the high peaks of the Continental Divide clearly visible during the initial climb.
Landing at LCK
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the descent into Columbus. You'll see the Scioto River and its confluence with the Olentangy River as the aircraft approaches from the west, plus the downtown Columbus skyline and surrounding urban development becoming increasingly detailed.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Rickenbacker International (LCK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Columbus. The takeoff climb from Denver offers more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Rocky Mountain Front Range dominating the view. While the landing into Columbus provides some river and urban detail, the westbound departure from Denver gives you the more visually striking geography for the majority of the climb phase.
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. Left side offers immediate views of the Front Range as the aircraft climbs northeast from Denver. You'll see the Rocky Mountains rising dramatically to the west and northwest, with the high peaks of the Continental Divide clearly visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Front Range (Rocky Mountains), Denver metropolitan area sprawl to the south, South Platte River valley, Pikes Peak region in the distance to the south.
What can I see when landing at Rickenbacker International in Columbus?
When landing at Rickenbacker International (LCK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during the descent into Columbus. You'll see the Scioto River and its confluence with the Olentangy River as the aircraft approaches from the west, plus the downtown Columbus skyline and surrounding urban development becoming increasingly detailed. Notable sights include: Scioto River and Olentangy River confluence, downtown Columbus skyline, Rickenbacker International Airport, Ohio farmland and suburban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Denver to Columbus?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Rickenbacker International (LCK) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,151 miles (1,852 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Columbus flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains eastward, passing over eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Notable features include the Arkansas River valley (visible around the 1-hour mark), the High Plains terrain with scattered buttes and mesas, and eventually the transition into the flatter agricultural landscape of Kansas and Missouri. The Smoky Hills region of Kansas and the Missouri River valley appear in the final approach phase before entering Ohio airspace.