While most of the route crosses flat Great Plains farmland with little variation, the right side offers a brief but genuine skyline view at takeoff and a clear, dramatic view of the Rocky Mountains during the Denver approach, giving it a clear edge over the plain-facing left side.
Flown MSP to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Denver is 679 miles (1,092 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of southern Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, with the Missouri River crossing visible near the South Dakota-Nebraska border before the terrain begins rising toward the Colorado Front Range.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTDepartures off MSP's northwest-facing runways pass close to the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis-St. Paul skyline before the aircraft banks south toward Denver, putting the river and downtown towers on the right side of the cabin during the climb.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTOn the descent into Denver, the standard approach from the east curves the aircraft to align with the north-south runways, keeping the Front Range Rockies and the abrupt rise of the foothills west of the airport visible on the right side of the plane.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Denver. While most of the route crosses flat Great Plains farmland with little variation, the right side offers a brief but genuine skyline view at takeoff and a clear, dramatic view of the Rocky Mountains during the Denver approach, giving it a clear edge over the plain-facing left side.
What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures off MSP's northwest-facing runways pass close to the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis-St. Paul skyline before the aircraft banks south toward Denver, putting the river and downtown towers on the right side of the cabin during the climb. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, downtown Minneapolis skyline, Minneapolis-St. Paul metro grid, Fort Snelling State Park confluence.
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. On the descent into Denver, the standard approach from the east curves the aircraft to align with the north-south runways, keeping the Front Range Rockies and the abrupt rise of the foothills west of the airport visible on the right side of the plane. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Denver foothills, South Platte River valley, Denver skyline.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Denver?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 679 miles (1,092 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Denver flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of southern Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, with the Missouri River crossing visible near the South Dakota-Nebraska border before the terrain begins rising toward the Colorado Front Range.