Chicago to Minneapolis flight pathORDMSP

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 25m
Distance334
Heading309° → 305°
Best side
Right
★ 1.5 left·★ 2.0 right

Both sides are modest given the flat Midwest terrain, but the right side wins on both ends thanks to Lake Michigan's shoreline at departure and the Mississippi River plus Twin Cities skyline at arrival.

Takeoff · ORDRIGHTLake Michigan shoreline, Chicago northern suburbs, O'Hare's grid of runways
Landing · MSPRIGHTMississippi River, Minneapolis downtown skyline, St. Paul downtown

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Flat farmland of northern Illinois and Wisconsin, scattered lakes and rivers including parts of the Wisconsin River valley, no major mountain or coastal features at cruise altitude

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Chicago (right side) — Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago northern suburbs, O'Hare's grid of runways

Takeoff from ORD

RIGHT

Departing ORD to the northwest, the right side offers glimpses of Chicago's northern suburbs and Lake Michigan's shoreline briefly during the turn out. It's a flat Midwest departure overall, but the lake adds a touch of visual interest.

Lake Michigan shorelineChicago northern suburbsO'Hare's grid of runways
Aerial window seat view during landing at Minneapolis (right side) — Mississippi River, Minneapolis downtown skyline, St. Paul downtown, Minnesota River confluence

Landing at MSP

RIGHT

Arriving into MSP from the southeast, the right side gives views of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis-St. Paul downtown skylines as the plane descends, plus the confluence of the Minnesota River. This is more visually distinct than the flat farmland on the left.

Mississippi RiverMinneapolis downtown skylineSt. Paul downtownMinnesota River confluence

Will your flight be in sunlight?

See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Minneapolis. Both sides are modest given the flat Midwest terrain, but the right side wins on both ends thanks to Lake Michigan's shoreline at departure and the Mississippi River plus Twin Cities skyline at arrival.

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 northwest, the right side offers glimpses of Chicago's northern suburbs and Lake Michigan's shoreline briefly during the turn out. It's a flat Midwest departure overall, but the lake adds a touch of visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago northern suburbs, O'Hare's grid of runways.

What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?

When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into MSP from the southeast, the right side gives views of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis-St. Paul downtown skylines as the plane descends, plus the confluence of the Minnesota River. This is more visually distinct than the flat farmland on the left. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Minneapolis downtown skyline, St. Paul downtown, Minnesota River confluence.

How long is the flight from Chicago to Minneapolis?

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes 1h 25m.

What does the Chicago to Minneapolis flight path pass over?

Flat farmland of northern Illinois and Wisconsin, scattered lakes and rivers including parts of the Wisconsin River valley, no major mountain or coastal features at cruise altitude