West Chicago to San Francisco is 1,824 miles (2,936 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise, the left side also tends to offer better views of the Sierra Nevada approaching California, with the range appearing on the left horizon as you descend toward the Bay Area.
Flight Path
The flight tracks roughly along 40°N, crossing the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities, then the flat Iowa and Nebraska plains, the Platte River valley, the Rocky Mountains over southern Wyoming or northern Colorado (Medicine Bow Range visible), the Great Basin desert of Nevada, and finally the Sierra Nevada before descending into the Bay Area. The Rockies and Sierra Nevada are the most visually dramatic segments.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DPA
LEFTDPA's primary departure runway 28 sends you westbound, and the left (south) side gives you a clear look back at the Chicago metro sprawl, the grid of suburbs, and on a clear day the distant glint of Lake Michigan to the northeast. The right side faces open farmland with little of interest.
Landing at SFO
LEFTSFO's most common arrival is from the east on runways 28L/28R, meaning the aircraft approaches over the Bay. The left (south) side looks directly over the San Francisco Bay, with views of the Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco, and the peninsula. The right side faces south toward the less scenic South Bay and suburban sprawl.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Du Page (DPA) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from West Chicago to San Francisco. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise, the left side also tends to offer better views of the Sierra Nevada approaching California, with the range appearing on the left horizon as you descend toward the Bay Area.
What can I see during takeoff from Du Page in West Chicago?
During takeoff from Du Page (DPA), sit on the Left side for the best views. DPA's primary departure runway 28 sends you westbound, and the left (south) side gives you a clear look back at the Chicago metro sprawl, the grid of suburbs, and on a clear day the distant glint of Lake Michigan to the northeast. The right side faces open farmland with little of interest. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline to the northeast, Lake Michigan glinting in the distance, Fox River valley below, suburban grid of Naperville and Aurora.
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's most common arrival is from the east on runways 28L/28R, meaning the aircraft approaches over the Bay. The left (south) side looks directly over the San Francisco Bay, with views of the Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco, and the peninsula. The right side faces south toward the less scenic South Bay and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge.
How long is the flight from West Chicago to San Francisco?
The flight from Du Page (DPA) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,824 miles (2,936 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the West Chicago to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly along 40°N, crossing the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities, then the flat Iowa and Nebraska plains, the Platte River valley, the Rocky Mountains over southern Wyoming or northern Colorado (Medicine Bow Range visible), the Great Basin desert of Nevada, and finally the Sierra Nevada before descending into the Bay Area. The Rockies and Sierra Nevada are the most visually dramatic segments.