Chicago to Moline is 139 miles (224 km), a flight of about 25 minutes.
Left side captures the most distinctive scenery: Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline during departure, then the Mississippi River valley and bluffs during approach. Right side offers good river views on landing but less compelling takeoff visuals.
Flight Path
Illinois farmland and prairie terrain between Chicago and Quad Cities, with scattered small towns and rural roads visible at altitude. The Des Plaines River valley west of Chicago, transitioning to open agricultural landscape with occasional tree lines marking creek beds and property boundaries.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTLeft side offers views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during initial climb. The aircraft departs eastbound over the lake before turning west toward Quad Cities, so left windows capture the waterfront and urban core before the turn.
Landing at MLI
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Mississippi River valley and the Quad Cities area during descent. The aircraft approaches from the east, so right windows face the river, downtown Moline, and the surrounding bluff terrain that defines this region.
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 Quad City International Airport (MLI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Moline. Left side captures the most distinctive scenery: Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline during departure, then the Mississippi River valley and bluffs during approach. Right side offers good river views on landing but less compelling takeoff visuals.
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. Left side offers views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during initial climb. The aircraft departs eastbound over the lake before turning west toward Quad Cities, so left windows capture the waterfront and urban core before the turn. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate east), Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, North Shore residential areas along lakefront.
What can I see when landing at Quad City International Airport in Moline?
When landing at Quad City International Airport (MLI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Mississippi River valley and the Quad Cities area during descent. The aircraft approaches from the east, so right windows face the river, downtown Moline, and the surrounding bluff terrain that defines this region. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (main channel and islands), Moline downtown area, Rock Island County bluffs and wooded terrain.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Moline?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Quad City International Airport (MLI) takes about 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 139 miles (224 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Moline flight path pass over?
Illinois farmland and prairie terrain between Chicago and Quad Cities, with scattered small towns and rural roads visible at altitude. The Des Plaines River valley west of Chicago, transitioning to open agricultural landscape with occasional tree lines marking creek beds and property boundaries.