The right side wins on both ends and through the middle: it catches Nashville's skyline on departure, the Rockies, Wasatch Range, and Sierra Nevada during cruise, and San Francisco's skyline plus the Golden Gate Bridge on arrival, while the left side offers comparatively flat, featureless terrain for most of the route.
Flight Path
Southern Rocky Mountains near Denver, the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake in Utah, the Great Basin desert of Nevada, and the Sierra Nevada mountains before descending into the California Central Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
RIGHTDeparting BNA to the south before turning west toward California, the right side gives a brief but clear view of downtown Nashville's skyline and the looping Cumberland River just after liftoff. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with no distinct landmarks.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn approach into SFO from the east, the final turn over the South Bay puts San Francisco's skyline, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge on the right side of the aircraft. The left side faces the East Bay hills and Oakland, which are far less distinctive by comparison.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nashville International (BNA) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to San Francisco. The right side wins on both ends and through the middle: it catches Nashville's skyline on departure, the Rockies, Wasatch Range, and Sierra Nevada during cruise, and San Francisco's skyline plus the Golden Gate Bridge on arrival, while the left side offers comparatively flat, featureless terrain for most of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Nashville International in Nashville?
During takeoff from Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BNA to the south before turning west toward California, the right side gives a brief but clear view of downtown Nashville's skyline and the looping Cumberland River just after liftoff. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with no distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River bends, Nissan Stadium area.
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. On approach into SFO from the east, the final turn over the South Bay puts San Francisco's skyline, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge on the right side of the aircraft. The left side faces the East Bay hills and Oakland, which are far less distinctive by comparison. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Nashville to San Francisco?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 4h 25m.
What does the Nashville to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountains near Denver, the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake in Utah, the Great Basin desert of Nevada, and the Sierra Nevada mountains before descending into the California Central Valley