The right side offers glimpses of Grand Rapids' cityscape on departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan on arrival, giving it a slight edge over the largely featureless farmland visible from the left.
Flown GRR to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Grand Rapids to Chicago is 137 miles (220 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana, with Lake Michigan visible to the north depending on routing
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GRR
RIGHTDeparting GRR typically to the west, the right side gives views over Grand Rapids' downtown along the Grand River before the plane continues toward Lake Michigan. The left side mostly shows flat farmland with little to distinguish it.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArrivals into ORD from the east often bank to align with the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a good look at Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline before touchdown. The left side typically shows only suburban sprawl.
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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 Gerald R Ford International (GRR) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Grand Rapids to Chicago. The right side offers glimpses of Grand Rapids' cityscape on departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan on arrival, giving it a slight edge over the largely featureless farmland visible from the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Gerald R Ford International in Grand Rapids?
During takeoff from Gerald R Ford International (GRR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing GRR typically to the west, the right side gives views over Grand Rapids' downtown along the Grand River before the plane continues toward Lake Michigan. The left side mostly shows flat farmland with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Grand River, downtown Grand Rapids, Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into ORD from the east often bank to align with the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a good look at Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline before touchdown. The left side typically shows only suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline, Willis Tower, O'Hare's runway grid.
How long is the flight from Grand Rapids to Chicago?
The flight from Gerald R Ford International (GRR) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 137 miles (220 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Grand Rapids to Chicago flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana, with Lake Michigan visible to the north depending on routing