The right side wins because it captures both the Indianapolis skyline at departure and, more importantly, the dramatic Rocky Mountain Front Range during the Denver approach, while the left side sees mostly flat Midwestern plains for the entire flight.
Flown IND to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Indianapolis to Denver is 974 miles (1,568 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Flat farmland of Illinois and Missouri, the Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis, and the wide wheat plains of Kansas before the terrain begins to rise toward eastern Colorado
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IND
RIGHTIND typically departs on runway 23 toward the southwest, then turns right onto a west-northwest heading toward Denver. That right turn swings the downtown Indianapolis skyline and the White River valley into view on the right side, while the left side just shows featureless farmland.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTWith Denver's south-flow runways (17-series) commonly in use, arriving aircraft turn to a southbound final approach, putting the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains—including the foothills west of Denver—on the right side of the cabin during descent. The left side mostly faces the flat eastern plains with little to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indianapolis International (IND) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Indianapolis to Denver. The right side wins because it captures both the Indianapolis skyline at departure and, more importantly, the dramatic Rocky Mountain Front Range during the Denver approach, while the left side sees mostly flat Midwestern plains for the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Indianapolis International in Indianapolis?
During takeoff from Indianapolis International (IND), sit on the Right side for the best views. IND typically departs on runway 23 toward the southwest, then turns right onto a west-northwest heading toward Denver. That right turn swings the downtown Indianapolis skyline and the White River valley into view on the right side, while the left side just shows featureless farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Indianapolis skyline, White River, Eagle Creek Reservoir, checkerboard Indiana farmland.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. With Denver's south-flow runways (17-series) commonly in use, arriving aircraft turn to a southbound final approach, putting the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains—including the foothills west of Denver—on the right side of the cabin during descent. The left side mostly faces the flat eastern plains with little to see. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak area, Denver metro sprawl, South Platte River valley.
How long is the flight from Indianapolis to Denver?
The flight from Indianapolis International (IND) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 974 miles (1,568 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Indianapolis to Denver flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of Illinois and Missouri, the Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis, and the wide wheat plains of Kansas before the terrain begins to rise toward eastern Colorado