Right-side seats win for both takeoff and landing, making them the consistent choice for this route. You'll capture the scenic Hampton Roads estuary on departure and the Scioto River corridor plus downtown Columbus on arrival.
Flown ORF to CMH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Norfolk to Columbus is 421 miles (677 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of West Virginia and eastern Ohio. Notable features include the New River Gorge area (visible as a deep valley system), the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains to the south, and the transition into Ohio's glaciated plains. The Kanawha River valley in West Virginia and various reservoir systems (Bluestone Lake, Summersville Lake) may be visible depending on exact routing, along with scattered ridge lines running northeast-southwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORF
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Hampton Roads waterway system and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northwest. You'll see the confluence of the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth Rivers, plus the distinctive shape of Norfolk Harbor and the Naval Station Norfolk complex along the water.
Landing at CMH
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Columbus. You'll see the Scioto River winding through downtown Columbus, the distinctive urban core with its high-rise cluster, and the surrounding suburban ring expanding outward across central Ohio's relatively flat terrain.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk International (ORF) to Port Columbus International (CMH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Columbus. Right-side seats win for both takeoff and landing, making them the consistent choice for this route. You'll capture the scenic Hampton Roads estuary on departure and the Scioto River corridor plus downtown Columbus on arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Norfolk International in Norfolk?
During takeoff from Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Hampton Roads waterway system and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northwest. You'll see the confluence of the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth Rivers, plus the distinctive shape of Norfolk Harbor and the Naval Station Norfolk complex along the water. Notable sights include: Hampton Roads estuary, Norfolk Harbor, Atlantic coastline, James River.
What can I see when landing at Port Columbus International in Columbus?
When landing at Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Columbus. You'll see the Scioto River winding through downtown Columbus, the distinctive urban core with its high-rise cluster, and the surrounding suburban ring expanding outward across central Ohio's relatively flat terrain. Notable sights include: Scioto River, downtown Columbus skyline, Ohio State University campus area, suburban Columbus sprawl.
How long is the flight from Norfolk to Columbus?
The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to Port Columbus International (CMH) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 421 miles (677 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to Columbus flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of West Virginia and eastern Ohio. Notable features include the New River Gorge area (visible as a deep valley system), the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains to the south, and the transition into Ohio's glaciated plains. The Kanawha River valley in West Virginia and various reservoir systems (Bluestone Lake, Summersville Lake) may be visible depending on exact routing, along with scattered ridge lines running northeast-southwest.