Both sides see the same flat, unremarkable terrain across Tennessee, Kentucky, and the plains during cruise, but the right side wins because of the dramatic Rocky Mountain reveal during the descent into Denver, which is the only truly scenic highlight of this route.
Flown RDU to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Denver is 1,433 miles (2,307 km), a flight of about 3 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses the Appalachian ridges of eastern Tennessee shortly after departure, then flies over the rolling farmland of Kentucky and Missouri, crossing the Mississippi River near the Missouri-Illinois border before continuing over the flat wheat country of Kansas toward the Colorado high plains.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTDeparting RDU on runway 23 the aircraft banks toward the northwest, putting Raleigh's downtown skyline and the Research Triangle Park corridor on the right side briefly before the flat Piedmont countryside takes over. The left side only shows rural farmland and Jordan Lake with no real landmarks.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTDEN's prevailing south-facing approach (17-series runways) means arriving flights from the east typically turn to a southbound final, which places the snow-capped Front Range squarely on the right side of the aircraft. This is the single most dramatic visual moment of the whole route, contrasting sharply with the flat plains crossed during cruise.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Denver. Both sides see the same flat, unremarkable terrain across Tennessee, Kentucky, and the plains during cruise, but the right side wins because of the dramatic Rocky Mountain reveal during the descent into Denver, which is the only truly scenic highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing RDU on runway 23 the aircraft banks toward the northwest, putting Raleigh's downtown skyline and the Research Triangle Park corridor on the right side briefly before the flat Piedmont countryside takes over. The left side only shows rural farmland and Jordan Lake with no real landmarks. Notable sights include: Raleigh downtown skyline, Research Triangle Park campuses, Falls Lake, distant Blue Ridge foothills on a clear day.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. DEN's prevailing south-facing approach (17-series runways) means arriving flights from the east typically turn to a southbound final, which places the snow-capped Front Range squarely on the right side of the aircraft. This is the single most dramatic visual moment of the whole route, contrasting sharply with the flat plains crossed during cruise. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak, Denver metro grid, South Platte River.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Denver?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,433 miles (2,307 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Denver flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Appalachian ridges of eastern Tennessee shortly after departure, then flies over the rolling farmland of Kentucky and Missouri, crossing the Mississippi River near the Missouri-Illinois border before continuing over the flat wheat country of Kansas toward the Colorado high plains.