Left side wins at both ends of this flight. The Rocky Mountain departure view is one of the best in North American aviation, and the Taipei Basin approach on the left is more visually interesting than the inland mountain view on the right. Over the Pacific mid-flight both sides are equally featureless ocean.
Flown DEN to TPE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Taipei is 7,065 miles (11,369 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route from Denver to Taipei tracks northwest over the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia, then across the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands chain, before arcing southwest across the North Pacific. The Aleutians may be briefly visible as a string of volcanic islands in clear conditions. The route then passes south of the Kamchatka Peninsula and over the western Pacific before descending toward Taiwan. The vast majority of the overwater portion offers nothing but open ocean.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN typically departs westbound on runway 16R/34L or eastbound on 8/26. For westbound departures heading toward the Pacific, a left-side seat gives you the Rocky Mountain Front Range including Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, and the entire Colorado high country as you climb out. The mountains run north-south along the left side and are dramatically visible during the climb.
Landing at TPE
LEFTTaipei Songshan and Taoyuan (TPE) typically land from the northeast or east, meaning the approach tracks over the Taiwan Strait and then over northern Taiwan's coast. A left-side seat on approach gives views over Taipei Basin, the Tamsui River estuary, and the northern coast. Right side faces inland toward the Central Mountain Range.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Taipei. Left side wins at both ends of this flight. The Rocky Mountain departure view is one of the best in North American aviation, and the Taipei Basin approach on the left is more visually interesting than the inland mountain view on the right. Over the Pacific mid-flight both sides are equally featureless ocean.
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 westbound on runway 16R/34L or eastbound on 8/26. For westbound departures heading toward the Pacific, a left-side seat gives you the Rocky Mountain Front Range including Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, and the entire Colorado high country as you climb out. The mountains run north-south along the left side and are dramatically visible during the climb. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain Front Range, Longs Peak (14,259 ft), Pikes Peak visible to the south, Denver metro grid below.
What can I see when landing at Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Taipei Songshan and Taoyuan (TPE) typically land from the northeast or east, meaning the approach tracks over the Taiwan Strait and then over northern Taiwan's coast. A left-side seat on approach gives views over Taipei Basin, the Tamsui River estuary, and the northern coast. Right side faces inland toward the Central Mountain Range. Notable sights include: Taipei Basin and city grid, Tamsui River estuary, northern Taiwan coastline, Guanyin Mountain across the river.
How long is the flight from Denver to Taipei?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,065 miles (11,369 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Taipei flight path pass over?
The great circle route from Denver to Taipei tracks northwest over the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia, then across the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands chain, before arcing southwest across the North Pacific. The Aleutians may be briefly visible as a string of volcanic islands in clear conditions. The route then passes south of the Kamchatka Peninsula and over the western Pacific before descending toward Taiwan. The vast majority of the overwater portion offers nothing but open ocean.