Seattle to San Diego is 1,057 miles (1,700 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
The left side delivers the flight's signature moments: Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline at takeoff, and San Diego's bay and downtown skyline on final approach, giving it consistently more dramatic and identifiable scenery than the right side's flatter, less distinct views.
Flight Path
Cascade Range volcanic peaks including Mount Shasta, followed by California's Central Valley and the coastal ranges near Sacramento before the route continues south toward the Los Angeles basin and into San Diego.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
LEFTDeparting BFI on runway 14 toward the southeast, the left side offers views of Lake Washington and downtown Seattle's skyline just after liftoff, with Mount Rainier's glaciated summit rising into view as the aircraft turns south. The right side mostly shows the industrial Duwamish waterway and West Seattle with less distinctive scenery.
Landing at SAN
LEFTOn the approach to SAN's runway 27, the aircraft descends westward over Mission Valley, and the left (south) side reveals downtown San Diego's skyline, San Diego Bay, and the Coronado Bridge just before touchdown. The right side shows mostly Balboa Park's greenery and residential Hillcrest, less visually striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to San Diego. The left side delivers the flight's signature moments: Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline at takeoff, and San Diego's bay and downtown skyline on final approach, giving it consistently more dramatic and identifiable scenery than the right side's flatter, less distinct views.
What can I see during takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BFI on runway 14 toward the southeast, the left side offers views of Lake Washington and downtown Seattle's skyline just after liftoff, with Mount Rainier's glaciated summit rising into view as the aircraft turns south. The right side mostly shows the industrial Duwamish waterway and West Seattle with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Lake Washington, downtown Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach to SAN's runway 27, the aircraft descends westward over Mission Valley, and the left (south) side reveals downtown San Diego's skyline, San Diego Bay, and the Coronado Bridge just before touchdown. The right side shows mostly Balboa Park's greenery and residential Hillcrest, less visually striking. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma.
How long is the flight from Seattle to San Diego?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,057 miles (1,700 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to San Diego flight path pass over?
Cascade Range volcanic peaks including Mount Shasta, followed by California's Central Valley and the coastal ranges near Sacramento before the route continues south toward the Los Angeles basin and into San Diego.