Memphis to Denver is 871 miles (1,401 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
Left side wins both ends of the flight. The Mississippi River and Memphis skyline on departure are genuinely dramatic, and the left side delivers the full panoramic Front Range view on approach to Denver — the single best visual payoff of the entire route.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Arkansas River valley in central Arkansas, then the flat Oklahoma and Kansas plains, transitioning to the slightly elevated shortgrass prairie of eastern Colorado. Around the midpoint over Kansas you may see the wide, shallow Arkansas River and irrigated pivot-circle agriculture. As you approach Colorado the terrain subtly rises toward the High Plains before the Rockies appear on the western horizon roughly 45-60 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEM
LEFTMemphis runways typically send westbound-to-northwestbound departures toward DEN on a heading that puts the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis on the left side. You get a clear view of the river's wide bend and the Memphis skyline including the Hernando de Soto Bridge as you climb out northwestward.
Landing at DEN
LEFTDenver International sits east of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the east on runways oriented roughly east-west. On a left-side seat during approach from the east, you get a prolonged view of the entire Front Range — the Rocky Mountain wall from Pikes Peak in the south to Longs Peak in the north — spread across the western horizon as you descend over the plains.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Memphis International (MEM) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Memphis to Denver. Left side wins both ends of the flight. The Mississippi River and Memphis skyline on departure are genuinely dramatic, and the left side delivers the full panoramic Front Range view on approach to Denver — the single best visual payoff of the entire route.
What can I see during takeoff from Memphis International in Memphis?
During takeoff from Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Memphis runways typically send westbound-to-northwestbound departures toward DEN on a heading that puts the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis on the left side. You get a clear view of the river's wide bend and the Memphis skyline including the Hernando de Soto Bridge as you climb out northwestward. Notable sights include: Mississippi River main channel and its wide bend, downtown Memphis skyline, Hernando de Soto Bridge (I-40 bridge), Tom Lee Park riverfront.
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. Denver International sits east of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the east on runways oriented roughly east-west. On a left-side seat during approach from the east, you get a prolonged view of the entire Front Range — the Rocky Mountain wall from Pikes Peak in the south to Longs Peak in the north — spread across the western horizon as you descend over the plains. Notable sights include: Front Range Rocky Mountains (Pikes Peak to Longs Peak), Denver city skyline, Rocky Mountain National Park high peaks on the horizon, the flat checkerboard of the Colorado plains on approach.
How long is the flight from Memphis to Denver?
The flight from Memphis International (MEM) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 871 miles (1,401 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Memphis to Denver flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Arkansas River valley in central Arkansas, then the flat Oklahoma and Kansas plains, transitioning to the slightly elevated shortgrass prairie of eastern Colorado. Around the midpoint over Kansas you may see the wide, shallow Arkansas River and irrigated pivot-circle agriculture. As you approach Colorado the terrain subtly rises toward the High Plains before the Rockies appear on the western horizon roughly 45-60 minutes before landing.