The left side wins because of the dramatic Front Range mountain views during the Denver approach, plus a small bonus glimpse of the Houston skyline at takeoff, while the right side faces mostly featureless plains for the entire flight.
Flown IAH to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Denver is 862 miles (1,387 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma Panhandle, and western Kansas, with the Arkansas River valley crossing beneath the route before the terrain begins rising toward eastern Colorado.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTAs the aircraft climbs out of IAH and turns toward the northwest, downtown Houston's skyline sits just south of the departure path, giving left-side passengers a brief glimpse of the city's towers and the Sam Houston Tollway loop before the plains take over.
Landing at DEN
LEFTOn descent into DEN from the east, the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains becomes clearly visible on the left side, with snow-capped peaks rising sharply behind the flat Denver plains just before touchdown.
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 George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Denver. The left side wins because of the dramatic Front Range mountain views during the Denver approach, plus a small bonus glimpse of the Houston skyline at takeoff, while the right side faces mostly featureless plains for the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. As the aircraft climbs out of IAH and turns toward the northwest, downtown Houston's skyline sits just south of the departure path, giving left-side passengers a brief glimpse of the city's towers and the Sam Houston Tollway loop before the plains take over. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Sam Houston Tollway, Lake Houston.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On descent into DEN from the east, the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains becomes clearly visible on the left side, with snow-capped peaks rising sharply behind the flat Denver plains just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rockies, Longs Peak, Pikes Peak, Denver metro skyline.
How long is the flight from Houston to Denver?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 862 miles (1,387 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Denver flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma Panhandle, and western Kansas, with the Arkansas River valley crossing beneath the route before the terrain begins rising toward eastern Colorado.