The right side wins on both ends of the flight: the Rocky Mountain Front Range during departure and the lake-studded Minneapolis skyline during arrival, while the left side mostly overlooks flat plains throughout.
Flown DEN to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Minneapolis is 679 miles (1,092 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Rolling high plains and farmland of eastern Colorado, Nebraska, and South Dakota, with the flight path passing near the Missouri River valley before descending into southern Minnesota's lake country.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDepartures from DEN typically climb out with the Front Range visible to the west as the aircraft turns toward the northeast for Minneapolis. Passengers on the right get a good look at the Rocky Mountain foothills and the Denver skyline before the plane settles onto its cruise heading over the plains.

Landing at MSP
RIGHTOn approach into MSP, arrivals from the southwest cross south of the Twin Cities before turning onto final, giving the right side a clear view of downtown Minneapolis and its famous chain of lakes. The Mississippi River and St. Paul are visible too, but the lakes make the right side the more distinctive vantage point.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Minneapolis. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: the Rocky Mountain Front Range during departure and the lake-studded Minneapolis skyline during arrival, while the left side mostly overlooks flat 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. Departures from DEN typically climb out with the Front Range visible to the west as the aircraft turns toward the northeast for Minneapolis. Passengers on the right get a good look at the Rocky Mountain foothills and the Denver skyline before the plane settles onto its cruise heading over the plains. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Denver downtown skyline, South Platte River valley.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into MSP, arrivals from the southwest cross south of the Twin Cities before turning onto final, giving the right side a clear view of downtown Minneapolis and its famous chain of lakes. The Mississippi River and St. Paul are visible too, but the lakes make the right side the more distinctive vantage point. Notable sights include: Downtown Minneapolis skyline, Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet, Mississippi River, St. Paul in the distance.
How long is the flight from Denver to Minneapolis?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 679 miles (1,092 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
Rolling high plains and farmland of eastern Colorado, Nebraska, and South Dakota, with the flight path passing near the Missouri River valley before descending into southern Minnesota's lake country.