Chicago to Albany is 721 miles (1,161 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
While the right side wins the brief Chicago skyline view at takeoff, the left side delivers more sustained scenic value across the flight: glimpses of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario's shoreline during cruise, followed by the Adirondack Mountains and Hudson-Mohawk river valley on approach into Albany.
Flight Path
The flight path runs just south of Lake Erie near Cleveland and Erie, PA, crosses the Allegheny Plateau of western Pennsylvania, and skirts the western edge of the Finger Lakes region in central New York before descending toward the Mohawk Valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD to the east, the right side offers a brief but striking view of downtown Chicago's skyline and the western shore of Lake Michigan just after liftoff, before the flight turns onto its eastbound track over flat Illinois farmland. The left side only shows suburban sprawl with no notable landmarks.
Landing at ALB
LEFTOn approach into Albany from the west, the left side reveals the southern foothills of the Adirondack Mountains along with the Mohawk River valley merging into the Hudson, plus downtown Albany's skyline hugging the river's west bank. The right side mainly shows the lower, less distinctive Catskill foothills further in the distance.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Albany International (ALB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Albany. While the right side wins the brief Chicago skyline view at takeoff, the left side delivers more sustained scenic value across the flight: glimpses of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario's shoreline during cruise, followed by the Adirondack Mountains and Hudson-Mohawk river valley on approach into Albany.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ORD to the east, the right side offers a brief but striking view of downtown Chicago's skyline and the western shore of Lake Michigan just after liftoff, before the flight turns onto its eastbound track over flat Illinois farmland. The left side only shows suburban sprawl with no notable landmarks. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Loop, Willis Tower), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's surrounding suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Albany International in Albany?
When landing at Albany International (ALB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Albany from the west, the left side reveals the southern foothills of the Adirondack Mountains along with the Mohawk River valley merging into the Hudson, plus downtown Albany's skyline hugging the river's west bank. The right side mainly shows the lower, less distinctive Catskill foothills further in the distance. Notable sights include: Adirondack Mountain foothills, Mohawk River, Hudson River, Albany skyline.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Albany?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Albany International (ALB) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 721 miles (1,161 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Albany flight path pass over?
The flight path runs just south of Lake Erie near Cleveland and Erie, PA, crosses the Allegheny Plateau of western Pennsylvania, and skirts the western edge of the Finger Lakes region in central New York before descending toward the Mohawk Valley.