The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Rocky Mountain views during departure from Denver and Tampa Bay coastal scenery during arrival, while the left side offers only flat plains and inland terrain at both airports.
Flight Path
Flat Great Plains farmland across Kansas and Missouri, the Mississippi River crossing near the Arkansas-Tennessee border, and low-relief agricultural terrain across Alabama and Georgia before reaching Florida's flat coastal plain.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDeparting DEN typically southbound before turning east, the right (west) side offers a clear view of the Front Range foothills and peaks like Longs Peak and Pikes Peak rising above the plains. The left side only shows the flat eastern Colorado plains with little variation.

Landing at TPA
RIGHTOn approach into TPA from the north, the right (west) side reveals Tampa Bay, the causeways, and the barrier islands along the Gulf of Mexico as the plane descends over the coastline. The left side mostly shows inland Florida suburbs and citrus groves with less visual interest.
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 Tampa International (TPA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Tampa. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Rocky Mountain views during departure from Denver and Tampa Bay coastal scenery during arrival, while the left side offers only flat plains and inland terrain at both airports.
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 typically southbound before turning east, the right (west) side offers a clear view of the Front Range foothills and peaks like Longs Peak and Pikes Peak rising above the plains. The left side only shows the flat eastern Colorado plains with little variation. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Pikes Peak, Denver metro area.
What can I see when landing at Tampa International in Tampa?
When landing at Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into TPA from the north, the right (west) side reveals Tampa Bay, the causeways, and the barrier islands along the Gulf of Mexico as the plane descends over the coastline. The left side mostly shows inland Florida suburbs and citrus groves with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg skyline, Gulf of Mexico beaches, Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
How long is the flight from Denver to Tampa?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Tampa International (TPA) takes 3h 25m.
What does the Denver to Tampa flight path pass over?
Flat Great Plains farmland across Kansas and Missouri, the Mississippi River crossing near the Arkansas-Tennessee border, and low-relief agricultural terrain across Alabama and Georgia before reaching Florida's flat coastal plain.