Left side wins the full flight. At departure you get the entire Rocky Mountain Front Range panorama, and at arrival you get the iconic Pittsburgh river confluence. During cruise over the Great Plains and Appalachians, the left side also faces slightly more toward the Ohio River valley terrain as the route curves gently northeast.
Flown DEN to PIT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Pittsburgh is 1,287 miles (2,071 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight crosses the high plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas, then Nebraska or Kansas depending on routing, before crossing the Missouri River. Over Missouri and Illinois the terrain is flat agricultural land with the Mississippi River visible as a major landmark. Entering Indiana and Ohio the landscape becomes more rolling, and the Appalachian ridges of western Pennsylvania become visible on descent — parallel forested ridges running northeast-southwest, characteristic of the Ridge and Valley province.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN typically departs eastward on runways 16/34 or 8/26. When departing east and banking south toward the route, the left side faces west and northwest, giving a direct view of the Front Range of the Rockies including the Denver metro spread below. The Rocky Mountain wall from Pikes Peak in the south to Longs Peak in the north is laid out in a single panoramic sweep.
Landing at PIT
LEFTPittsburgh International sits west of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the west on runway 28R/28L, meaning the final approach tracks eastward. The left side on approach faces north, giving a view of the Ohio River confluence and the downtown Pittsburgh triangle where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet. This is one of the most visually distinctive urban river confluences in the US.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Pittsburgh International (PIT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Pittsburgh. Left side wins the full flight. At departure you get the entire Rocky Mountain Front Range panorama, and at arrival you get the iconic Pittsburgh river confluence. During cruise over the Great Plains and Appalachians, the left side also faces slightly more toward the Ohio River valley terrain as the route curves gently northeast.
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 eastward on runways 16/34 or 8/26. When departing east and banking south toward the route, the left side faces west and northwest, giving a direct view of the Front Range of the Rockies including the Denver metro spread below. The Rocky Mountain wall from Pikes Peak in the south to Longs Peak in the north is laid out in a single panoramic sweep. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains (Longs Peak, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak visible along the western horizon), Denver metro grid below, Cherry Creek Reservoir southeast of the city, the distinctive white tent roof of DEN terminal receding behind.
What can I see when landing at Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
When landing at Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Pittsburgh International sits west of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the west on runway 28R/28L, meaning the final approach tracks eastward. The left side on approach faces north, giving a view of the Ohio River confluence and the downtown Pittsburgh triangle where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet. This is one of the most visually distinctive urban river confluences in the US. Notable sights include: The Point — confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers forming the Ohio River, downtown Pittsburgh skyline, the Allegheny River valley stretching northeast, rolling Appalachian ridgelines west of the city.
How long is the flight from Denver to Pittsburgh?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Pittsburgh International (PIT) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,287 miles (2,071 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Pittsburgh flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the high plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas, then Nebraska or Kansas depending on routing, before crossing the Missouri River. Over Missouri and Illinois the terrain is flat agricultural land with the Mississippi River visible as a major landmark. Entering Indiana and Ohio the landscape becomes more rolling, and the Appalachian ridges of western Pennsylvania become visible on descent — parallel forested ridges running northeast-southwest, characteristic of the Ridge and Valley province.