Loading map...

ORD destination photo
ORF destination photo

ORDORF

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the Chicago skyline upon departure and more dramatic vistas of the Appalachian ridges and the James River during the descent into Norfolk.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Unmatched views of the Willis Tower and the Lakefront shortly after departing O'Hare.

⛰️

Blue Ridge Mountains

The distinctive, rolling mountain peaks and deep valleys of the central Appalachian range.

🌲

National Forests

Expansive green canopies of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

🛶

James River

Watch the river widen significantly as it flows through Richmond toward the Atlantic.

⚓

Naval Station Norfolk

The world's largest naval base is often visible with massive aircraft carriers at the docks.

🏖️

Virginia Beach

A glimpse of the Atlantic coastline and sandy resort beaches during the final approach pattern.

The right side is the definitive choice for seeing the Chicago Loop if the aircraft departs towards the east. For late afternoon flights, this side captures dramatic sunset colors over the mountain ridges of West Virginia and Virginia.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Lake Michigan Shoreline

Views of the Indiana Dunes and the southern curve of the Great Lake shortly after takeoff.

🛤️

Allegheny Plateau

The rugged, forested terrain of northern West Virginia stretching toward the horizon.

🌾

Shenandoah Valley

A patchwork of fertile farmland nestled between parallel mountain ranges.

🌉

Chesapeake Bay

A vast vista of the estuary as the plane aligns for its final approach into the coastal region.

🏙️

Hampton Cityscape

Aerial views of the historic coastal communities and bridges north of Norfolk.

Morning flights on the left provide soft lighting over the Appalachians without direct sun glare. During the final descent, watch for the distinct engineering marvel of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to the northeast.

Top Activities in Norfolk
Route Information

Distance: 1,152 km (716 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min

Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)

Arrival: ORF (36.89459991455078, -76.20120239257812)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.