Albuquerque to Los Angeles is 676 miles (1,088 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The right side captures the Sandia Mountains at departure, the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff during cruise, and the San Gabriel Mountains with the LA basin on approach, giving a continuous thread of terrain interest missing from the left side's mostly flat desert views.
Flight Path
Colorado Plateau, Painted Desert near Holbrook, San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Mojave Desert
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABQ
RIGHTDeparting Albuquerque on runway 26 and banking southwest toward LAX, the Sandia and Manzano Mountains fall into view on the right side as the aircraft turns away from them. This gives a dramatic look back at the rugged granite escarpment rising over the Rio Grande valley before the desert stretches out ahead.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the standard eastern approach into LAX during west-flow operations, the descent path crosses the San Gabriel Mountains and San Gabriel Valley before leveling out over the Los Angeles basin. Passengers on the right get a strong view of the mountain wall to the north along with the dense urban sprawl below just before the coastline appears.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Albuquerque to Los Angeles. The right side captures the Sandia Mountains at departure, the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff during cruise, and the San Gabriel Mountains with the LA basin on approach, giving a continuous thread of terrain interest missing from the left side's mostly flat desert views.
What can I see during takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque?
During takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Albuquerque on runway 26 and banking southwest toward LAX, the Sandia and Manzano Mountains fall into view on the right side as the aircraft turns away from them. This gives a dramatic look back at the rugged granite escarpment rising over the Rio Grande valley before the desert stretches out ahead. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains, Manzano Mountains, Rio Grande valley, Albuquerque city grid.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the standard eastern approach into LAX during west-flow operations, the descent path crosses the San Gabriel Mountains and San Gabriel Valley before leveling out over the Los Angeles basin. Passengers on the right get a strong view of the mountain wall to the north along with the dense urban sprawl below just before the coastline appears. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Gabriel Valley, downtown Los Angeles skyline, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from Albuquerque to Los Angeles?
The flight from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 676 miles (1,088 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Albuquerque to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Colorado Plateau, Painted Desert near Holbrook, San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Mojave Desert