About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Reno. While takeoff offers urban scenery, the landing approach provides the most dramatic and memorable views. The Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment is a striking natural feature that dominates the final descent, making left-side seats the better choice for this route overall.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Minnesota River valley and the Minneapolis-St. Paul urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs westward. You'll see the distinctive grid of the Twin Cities and surrounding lakes before heading toward open terrain. Notable sights include: Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, Minnesota River valley, Chain of Lakes (including Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet in Minneapolis), suburban sprawl extending south and west.
What can I see when landing at Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
When landing at Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range as you descend into Reno from the east. The dramatic eastern escarpment of the Sierra is the dominant visual feature on approach, with Lake Tahoe visible to the north on clear days. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada mountain range (eastern escarpment), Lake Tahoe (northern view), Washoe Valley, Reno urban area.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Reno?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Minneapolis to Reno flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and Great Basin. Notable features include the transition from Minnesota's lake-dotted landscape to the open prairie of South Dakota and Nebraska, then into the high desert of Wyoming and Utah. The Wasatch Range becomes visible to the south as you approach Nevada, and the Great Salt Lake may be visible to the north depending on exact routing. The terrain progressively becomes more arid and mountainous as you move westward, with the final approach offering views of the Basin and Range topography characteristic of western Nevada.