Chicago to Albuquerque is 1,116 miles (1,796 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
While the left side wins at takeoff for the Chicago skyline, the right side delivers the more dramatic sustained scenery — the Sandia Mountains on approach to ABQ are genuinely spectacular, and during the cruise the right side faces south toward the Colorado Plateau terrain including the Jemez Mountains and high desert mesas of New Mexico. The left side is better only for the first few minutes out of Chicago.
Flight Path
The route crosses the flat Illinois and Iowa farmland, then the Missouri River, before tracking across the Kansas and Oklahoma panhandle plains. Over eastern Colorado the terrain begins rising toward the Rockies. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains appear on the right as you enter New Mexico, with the Rio Grande rift valley and volcanic Jemez Mountains visible before descent into Albuquerque.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD's most common westbound departures use runways 10L/10C heading east before turning southwest, putting the left side over downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. You get a clear view of the Loop skyline, Grant Park, and the lakefront as the plane banks south and west.
Landing at ABQ
RIGHTABQ typically uses runway 21 for arrivals from the northeast, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north-northeast on a southwest heading. The right side faces northwest, giving a direct view of the Sandia Mountains rising sharply above the Rio Grande valley and the city grid of Albuquerque spread below.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Albuquerque. While the left side wins at takeoff for the Chicago skyline, the right side delivers the more dramatic sustained scenery — the Sandia Mountains on approach to ABQ are genuinely spectacular, and during the cruise the right side faces south toward the Colorado Plateau terrain including the Jemez Mountains and high desert mesas of New Mexico. The left side is better only for the first few minutes out of Chicago.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. ORD's most common westbound departures use runways 10L/10C heading east before turning southwest, putting the left side over downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. You get a clear view of the Loop skyline, Grant Park, and the lakefront as the plane banks south and west. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park/Museum Campus, Midway Airport to the south.
What can I see when landing at Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque?
When landing at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. ABQ typically uses runway 21 for arrivals from the northeast, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north-northeast on a southwest heading. The right side faces northwest, giving a direct view of the Sandia Mountains rising sharply above the Rio Grande valley and the city grid of Albuquerque spread below. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains (Sandia Crest at 10,678 ft), Rio Grande valley, Albuquerque city grid, Kirtland Air Force Base.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Albuquerque?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,116 miles (1,796 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Albuquerque flight path pass over?
The route crosses the flat Illinois and Iowa farmland, then the Missouri River, before tracking across the Kansas and Oklahoma panhandle plains. Over eastern Colorado the terrain begins rising toward the Rockies. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains appear on the right as you enter New Mexico, with the Rio Grande rift valley and volcanic Jemez Mountains visible before descent into Albuquerque.