Burbank to San Francisco is 326 miles (525 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side delivers the better overall experience. After the initial climb, the left side tracks the California coastline and Central Valley through the cruise, and then delivers the spectacular San Francisco Bay approach. The Bay landing view is genuinely one of the best in domestic US aviation.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest over the Tehachapi Mountains, then up the Central Valley with the Coast Ranges visible to the left and the Sierra Nevada foothills to the right. Around Fresno and Merced the valley floor is flat agricultural land with irrigation canals. Approaching the Bay Area, the Diablo Range and Mount Diablo become visible before the descent into the bay.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUR
RIGHTBUR typically departs on Runway 8 heading east, then turns northwest. A right-side seat captures the San Gabriel Mountains including Mount Wilson and the sprawling San Fernando Valley grid below. You also get a clear look back at the Verdugo Mountains and Griffith Park area as the aircraft banks.
Landing at SFO
LEFTSFO typically lands on runways 28L/28R approaching from the east over the Bay. A left-side seat gives you a direct view of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco peninsula skyline as you descend over the water. The approach over the bay is one of the most visually striking in the US.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Burbank to San Francisco. While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side delivers the better overall experience. After the initial climb, the left side tracks the California coastline and Central Valley through the cruise, and then delivers the spectacular San Francisco Bay approach. The Bay landing view is genuinely one of the best in domestic US aviation.
What can I see during takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
During takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. BUR typically departs on Runway 8 heading east, then turns northwest. A right-side seat captures the San Gabriel Mountains including Mount Wilson and the sprawling San Fernando Valley grid below. You also get a clear look back at the Verdugo Mountains and Griffith Park area as the aircraft banks. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Mount Wilson, San Fernando Valley grid, Verdugo Mountains.
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. SFO typically lands on runways 28L/28R approaching from the east over the Bay. A left-side seat gives you a direct view of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco peninsula skyline as you descend over the water. The approach over the bay is one of the most visually striking in the US. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, San Mateo Bridge.
How long is the flight from Burbank to San Francisco?
The flight from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 326 miles (525 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Burbank to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Tehachapi Mountains, then up the Central Valley with the Coast Ranges visible to the left and the Sierra Nevada foothills to the right. Around Fresno and Merced the valley floor is flat agricultural land with irrigation canals. Approaching the Bay Area, the Diablo Range and Mount Diablo become visible before the descent into the bay.