Tucson to Las Vegas is 364 miles (586 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
While takeoff from Tucson favors the right side, the landing approach into Las Vegas from the left offers more dramatic and varied scenery—Lake Mead and the Colorado River are visually striking features that outweigh the takeoff advantage. Left side also captures the Las Vegas urban landscape on approach.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Arizona-Nevada border roughly midway. Notable features include the Gila River valley to the northwest of Tucson, the Dragoon Mountains (small but visible range east of the flight path), and the transition from Sonoran Desert scrubland to the more open Mojave Desert terrain as you approach Nevada. The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and its mountains lie to the west of the direct route. No major bodies of water are crossed until Lake Mead appears on approach to Las Vegas.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DMA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer the best views during climb-out from Davis-Monthan. You'll see the Santa Catalina Mountains immediately to the north and northeast, and as you climb, the broader Tucson valley spreads out below with the Rincon Mountains visible to the southeast.
Landing at LAS
LEFTLeft-side seats provide superior views on approach to Las Vegas. You'll see Lake Mead's blue waters and the Colorado River valley to the north and northwest, and as you descend toward Harry Reid International, the Las Vegas Strip and downtown skyline become visible to the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Davis Monthan Afb (DMA) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tucson to Las Vegas. While takeoff from Tucson favors the right side, the landing approach into Las Vegas from the left offers more dramatic and varied scenery—Lake Mead and the Colorado River are visually striking features that outweigh the takeoff advantage. Left side also captures the Las Vegas urban landscape on approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Davis Monthan Afb in Tucson?
During takeoff from Davis Monthan Afb (DMA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer the best views during climb-out from Davis-Monthan. You'll see the Santa Catalina Mountains immediately to the north and northeast, and as you climb, the broader Tucson valley spreads out below with the Rincon Mountains visible to the southeast. Notable sights include: Santa Catalina Mountains (north), Rincon Mountains (southeast), Tucson urban area (directly below), Saguaro National Park East (southeast).
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide superior views on approach to Las Vegas. You'll see Lake Mead's blue waters and the Colorado River valley to the north and northwest, and as you descend toward Harry Reid International, the Las Vegas Strip and downtown skyline become visible to the south. Notable sights include: Lake Mead (north/northwest), Colorado River (north), Las Vegas Valley (south), Spring Mountains (west).
How long is the flight from Tucson to Las Vegas?
The flight from Davis Monthan Afb (DMA) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 364 miles (586 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tucson to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arizona-Nevada border roughly midway. Notable features include the Gila River valley to the northwest of Tucson, the Dragoon Mountains (small but visible range east of the flight path), and the transition from Sonoran Desert scrubland to the more open Mojave Desert terrain as you approach Nevada. The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and its mountains lie to the west of the direct route. No major bodies of water are crossed until Lake Mead appears on approach to Las Vegas.