While the takeoff offers good views of the St. Lawrence and Laurentians, the landing approach provides more dramatic and concentrated scenery—the Scioto River, downtown Columbus, and the urban-to-rural transition are visually compelling and occur during the most engaging phase of flight. Right side captures the destination city's geography more effectively.
Flown YUL to CMH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Columbus is 598 miles (962 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Notable features include the ridge-and-valley topography of central Pennsylvania (visible as parallel ridges running northeast-southwest), the Ohio River valley near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, and scattered lakes in the glaciated terrain of northern Ohio. Lake Erie remains far to the north and is not visible on this southwesterly routing. The landscape transitions from forested mountains in Pennsylvania to increasingly flat, agricultural terrain as the aircraft approaches Columbus.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
LEFTLeft side offers views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs out over southern Quebec. The river is a dominant geographic feature immediately west of Montreal, and the low mountains are visible across the landscape during the initial climb phase.
Landing at CMH
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Scioto River and downtown Columbus as the aircraft descends into Port Columbus. The river curves through the city center, and the downtown skyline becomes visible during final approach from the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Port Columbus International (CMH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Columbus. While the takeoff offers good views of the St. Lawrence and Laurentians, the landing approach provides more dramatic and concentrated scenery—the Scioto River, downtown Columbus, and the urban-to-rural transition are visually compelling and occur during the most engaging phase of flight. Right side captures the destination city's geography more effectively.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs out over southern Quebec. The river is a dominant geographic feature immediately west of Montreal, and the low mountains are visible across the landscape during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains, Montreal urban sprawl, Lake of Two Mountains.
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 provides views of the Scioto River and downtown Columbus as the aircraft descends into Port Columbus. The river curves through the city center, and the downtown skyline becomes visible during final approach from the north. Notable sights include: Scioto River, downtown Columbus skyline, Olentangy River confluence, Ohio farmland.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Columbus?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Port Columbus International (CMH) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 598 miles (962 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Columbus flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Notable features include the ridge-and-valley topography of central Pennsylvania (visible as parallel ridges running northeast-southwest), the Ohio River valley near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, and scattered lakes in the glaciated terrain of northern Ohio. Lake Erie remains far to the north and is not visible on this southwesterly routing. The landscape transitions from forested mountains in Pennsylvania to increasingly flat, agricultural terrain as the aircraft approaches Columbus.