Chicago to Pittsburgh is 411 miles (662 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The right side wins on both ends of this short flight: a rare close pass by the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on departure, and a scenic river-and-hill approach into Pittsburgh on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat, featureless Midwest farmland throughout.
Flight Path
Flat farmland of eastern Indiana and western Ohio, with the terrain gradually turning to low rolling hills as the route approaches the Allegheny Plateau near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTORD departures heading toward Pittsburgh climb out on a track that runs almost directly over downtown Chicago and the Lake Michigan shoreline, which sits just south of the flight path. Passengers on the right side get a brief but clear view of the skyline and lakefront before the plane settles into cruise over flat farmland.
Landing at PIT
RIGHTOn approach into Pittsburgh, the aircraft crosses the rolling ridges of the Allegheny Plateau, and the turn onto final often reveals the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers with downtown Pittsburgh's skyline tucked into the river bend. This is a much more dramatic descent than the flat farmland the left side sees.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Pittsburgh International (PIT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Pittsburgh. The right side wins on both ends of this short flight: a rare close pass by the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on departure, and a scenic river-and-hill approach into Pittsburgh on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat, featureless Midwest farmland throughout.
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. ORD departures heading toward Pittsburgh climb out on a track that runs almost directly over downtown Chicago and the Lake Michigan shoreline, which sits just south of the flight path. Passengers on the right side get a brief but clear view of the skyline and lakefront before the plane settles into cruise over flat farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area, Chicago's southern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
When landing at Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Pittsburgh, the aircraft crosses the rolling ridges of the Allegheny Plateau, and the turn onto final often reveals the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers with downtown Pittsburgh's skyline tucked into the river bend. This is a much more dramatic descent than the flat farmland the left side sees. Notable sights include: Three Rivers confluence (Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio), downtown Pittsburgh skyline, Allegheny Plateau hills, Ohio River valley.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Pittsburgh International (PIT) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 411 miles (662 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Pittsburgh flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of eastern Indiana and western Ohio, with the terrain gradually turning to low rolling hills as the route approaches the Allegheny Plateau near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.