While the long cruise over Central Asia, Siberia, and the Arctic doesn't consistently favor either side due to the polar route's curving heading, the left side's dramatic San Francisco Bay Area arrival — skyline, bridges, and coastline — clearly outweighs the modest, city-adjacent takeoff view from Bangalore.
Flown BLR to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangalore to San Francisco is 8,692 miles (13,988 km), a flight of about 17 hours 30 minutes.
The route crosses the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountains near Afghanistan and Tajikistan, the steppe of Kazakhstan, the Ural Mountains separating Europe and Asia, and the Arctic Ocean pack ice near Severnaya Zemlya before entering the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BLR
RIGHTDeparting BLR, the aircraft typically climbs out and banks toward its north-northeast routing, putting Bangalore's northern suburbs and the Whitefield IT corridor into view on the right side, with the low ridge of Nandi Hills faintly visible on the horizon. The left side mostly shows flat, undeveloped Deccan plateau farmland with little to distinguish it.
Landing at SFO
LEFTArrivals into SFO from the north commonly track south along the peninsula before turning onto final, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The right side instead faces the open Pacific and the comparatively featureless coastal hills of Marin and San Mateo counties.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangalore to San Francisco. While the long cruise over Central Asia, Siberia, and the Arctic doesn't consistently favor either side due to the polar route's curving heading, the left side's dramatic San Francisco Bay Area arrival — skyline, bridges, and coastline — clearly outweighs the modest, city-adjacent takeoff view from Bangalore.
What can I see during takeoff from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru in Bangalore?
During takeoff from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BLR, the aircraft typically climbs out and banks toward its north-northeast routing, putting Bangalore's northern suburbs and the Whitefield IT corridor into view on the right side, with the low ridge of Nandi Hills faintly visible on the horizon. The left side mostly shows flat, undeveloped Deccan plateau farmland with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Bangalore urban sprawl, Whitefield tech corridor, scattered lakes/tanks, distant Nandi Hills.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into SFO from the north commonly track south along the peninsula before turning onto final, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The right side instead faces the open Pacific and the comparatively featureless coastal hills of Marin and San Mateo counties. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Bangalore to San Francisco?
The flight from Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 17 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,692 miles (13,988 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangalore to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountains near Afghanistan and Tajikistan, the steppe of Kazakhstan, the Ural Mountains separating Europe and Asia, and the Arctic Ocean pack ice near Severnaya Zemlya before entering the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.