While takeoff offers good views of the MacDonnell Ranges, the landing approach into San Francisco provides more dramatic and varied scenery: the Sierra Nevada, San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Strait, and coastal geography. The landing sequence is visually superior overall.
Flown ASP to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Alice Springs to San Francisco is 7,927 miles (12,757 km), a flight of about 14 hours 30 minutes.
The flight crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 8-9 hours. Notable features along the route include: the Hawaiian Islands (typically visible if passing near Hawaii, though this route may pass north of them depending on exact routing), vast open ocean with occasional weather systems, and the California coast approaching North America. The interior of the continent features the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Great Basin desert region, and the Rocky Mountains depending on the specific flight path chosen by dispatch.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ASP
LEFTLeft side offers views of the MacDonnell Ranges immediately west and northwest of Alice Springs, plus the town's grid layout and surrounding red desert. Right side faces open desert with minimal visual interest during climb-out.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Sierra Nevada mountains during descent into San Francisco Bay, plus the Bay itself and the coastal geography. Left side faces inland terrain with less dramatic scenery on approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Alice Springs (ASP) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Alice Springs to San Francisco. While takeoff offers good views of the MacDonnell Ranges, the landing approach into San Francisco provides more dramatic and varied scenery: the Sierra Nevada, San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Strait, and coastal geography. The landing sequence is visually superior overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Alice Springs in Alice Springs?
During takeoff from Alice Springs (ASP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the MacDonnell Ranges immediately west and northwest of Alice Springs, plus the town's grid layout and surrounding red desert. Right side faces open desert with minimal visual interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: MacDonnell Ranges (West and East), Alice Springs town center, Finke River valley, red desert plains.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Sierra Nevada mountains during descent into San Francisco Bay, plus the Bay itself and the coastal geography. Left side faces inland terrain with less dramatic scenery on approach. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada range, San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Alice Springs to San Francisco?
The flight from Alice Springs (ASP) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 14 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,927 miles (12,757 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Alice Springs to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 8-9 hours. Notable features along the route include: the Hawaiian Islands (typically visible if passing near Hawaii, though this route may pass north of them depending on exact routing), vast open ocean with occasional weather systems, and the California coast approaching North America. The interior of the continent features the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Great Basin desert region, and the Rocky Mountains depending on the specific flight path chosen by dispatch.