Norfolk to Denver is 1,549 miles (2,493 km), a flight of about 3 hours 50 minutes.
The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a scenic Chesapeake Bay and Norfolk harbor departure, plus a dramatic Rocky Mountain approach into Denver — while the right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable plains throughout.
Flight Path
Appalachian ridges of Virginia and West Virginia, the Ohio River valley, and the flat farmland of the Great Plains across Kansas and eastern Colorado
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORF
LEFTDeparting ORF to the southwest before turning west, the left side offers a good look back at downtown Norfolk, the Elizabeth River, and the mouth of Chesapeake Bay opening toward the Atlantic. It's a brief but genuinely scenic coastal and harbor view.
Landing at DEN
LEFTOn approach into Denver from the east, the Front Range of the Rockies rises dramatically ahead and to the south, with peaks like Pikes Peak visible in the distance as the plane descends over the plains. The right side only shows flat prairie and the northern suburbs with no comparable mountain backdrop.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk International (ORF) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Denver. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a scenic Chesapeake Bay and Norfolk harbor departure, plus a dramatic Rocky Mountain approach into Denver — while the right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable plains throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Norfolk International in Norfolk?
During takeoff from Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ORF to the southwest before turning west, the left side offers a good look back at downtown Norfolk, the Elizabeth River, and the mouth of Chesapeake Bay opening toward the Atlantic. It's a brief but genuinely scenic coastal and harbor view. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay mouth, Elizabeth River, Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia Beach coastline.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Denver from the east, the Front Range of the Rockies rises dramatically ahead and to the south, with peaks like Pikes Peak visible in the distance as the plane descends over the plains. The right side only shows flat prairie and the northern suburbs with no comparable mountain backdrop. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak, South Platte River valley, Denver skyline.
How long is the flight from Norfolk to Denver?
The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,549 miles (2,493 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to Denver flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridges of Virginia and West Virginia, the Ohio River valley, and the flat farmland of the Great Plains across Kansas and eastern Colorado