The left side offers a brief Chicago skyline view on departure and, more importantly, a clear look at the Black Hills during the approach into Rapid City, while the right side over featureless plains offers little contrast throughout the flight.
Flown ORD to RAP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Rapid City is 778 miles (1,251 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of Iowa and southern Minnesota, the Missouri River valley crossing near the South Dakota border, and rolling grasslands leading into the Black Hills region
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTWestbound departures from ORD climb out over Chicago's western suburbs before turning northwest onto the plains, with a brief glimpse of the downtown skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline to the southeast on the left side before it fades behind.
Landing at RAP
LEFTApproaching RAP from the southeast on a northwest heading toward runway 32, the Black Hills and their forested ridgelines rise on the southwest side, giving passengers on the left a clear view of the terrain that defines the region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Rapid City. The left side offers a brief Chicago skyline view on departure and, more importantly, a clear look at the Black Hills during the approach into Rapid City, while the right side over featureless plains offers little contrast throughout the flight.
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. Westbound departures from ORD climb out over Chicago's western suburbs before turning northwest onto the plains, with a brief glimpse of the downtown skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline to the southeast on the left side before it fades behind. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's runway grid, western suburban grid pattern.
What can I see when landing at Rapid City Regional Airport in Rapid City?
When landing at Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching RAP from the southeast on a northwest heading toward runway 32, the Black Hills and their forested ridgelines rise on the southwest side, giving passengers on the left a clear view of the terrain that defines the region. Notable sights include: Black Hills ridgelines, Rapid City's edge along the plains, forested foothills, Cheyenne River valley.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Rapid City?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 778 miles (1,251 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Rapid City flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of Iowa and southern Minnesota, the Missouri River valley crossing near the South Dakota border, and rolling grasslands leading into the Black Hills region