Both takeoff and landing phases favor the right side, where passengers get brief but genuine glimpses of the Indianapolis skyline on departure and the Chicago skyline plus Lake Michigan shoreline on arrival, while the left side offers only flat farmland throughout this short flight.
Flown IND to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Indianapolis to Chicago is 177 miles (286 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Flat Indiana and Illinois farmland, the Kankakee River, and scattered small towns like Rensselaer and Watseka along the cruise path
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IND
RIGHTDeparting IND on runway 23 to the southwest, the aircraft banks right onto its northwesterly course toward Chicago, swinging the downtown Indianapolis skyline and the White River into view on the right side briefly before the city falls behind. The left side mostly shows featureless farmland during this turn.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach into ORD from the south, aircraft commonly turn onto a westbound runway, which puts the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline off to the right during the base and final turn. The left side during this same turn faces west toward flat Illinois suburbs with no comparable landmark.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indianapolis International (IND) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Indianapolis to Chicago. Both takeoff and landing phases favor the right side, where passengers get brief but genuine glimpses of the Indianapolis skyline on departure and the Chicago skyline plus Lake Michigan shoreline on arrival, while the left side offers only flat farmland throughout this short 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. Departing IND on runway 23 to the southwest, the aircraft banks right onto its northwesterly course toward Chicago, swinging the downtown Indianapolis skyline and the White River into view on the right side briefly before the city falls behind. The left side mostly shows featureless farmland during this turn. Notable sights include: Downtown Indianapolis skyline, White River, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, patchwork farmland.
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. On approach into ORD from the south, aircraft commonly turn onto a westbound runway, which puts the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline off to the right during the base and final turn. The left side during this same turn faces west toward flat Illinois suburbs with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, O'Hare terminal complex.
How long is the flight from Indianapolis to Chicago?
The flight from Indianapolis International (IND) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 177 miles (286 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Indianapolis to Chicago flight path pass over?
Flat Indiana and Illinois farmland, the Kankakee River, and scattered small towns like Rensselaer and Watseka along the cruise path