While takeoff offers Scottish coastal views, the landing approach into San Francisco provides more dramatic and iconic scenery. The Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands are among the world's most visually striking aerial views, making the right side the stronger choice for the overall journey.
Flown EDI to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to San Francisco is 5,051 miles (8,128 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Iceland and Greenland. You'll see the Atlantic Ocean for most of the journey. As you approach North America, the Canadian Maritime provinces and New England coastline become visible. The flight then crosses the continental interior, with views of the Great Lakes region, the Rocky Mountains (particularly visible if flying a slightly northern route), and eventually the Sierra Nevada mountains before descent into the San Francisco Bay Area. The most dramatic midpoint scenery occurs over the Rocky Mountains and the transition to the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada ranges.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Firth of Forth and the Scottish coastline as you climb out northeastward. You'll see the water body and coastal geography that defines Edinburgh's setting.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands during final approach from the north. The dramatic coastal topography and iconic bridge are unmissable visual landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to San Francisco. While takeoff offers Scottish coastal views, the landing approach into San Francisco provides more dramatic and iconic scenery. The Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands are among the world's most visually striking aerial views, making the right side the stronger choice for the overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Firth of Forth and the Scottish coastline as you climb out northeastward. You'll see the water body and coastal geography that defines Edinburgh's setting. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Pentland Hills (south of Edinburgh), Scottish Central Belt cities, North Sea coastline.
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. Right side provides excellent views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands during final approach from the north. The dramatic coastal topography and iconic bridge are unmissable visual landmarks. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to San Francisco?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,051 miles (8,128 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Iceland and Greenland. You'll see the Atlantic Ocean for most of the journey. As you approach North America, the Canadian Maritime provinces and New England coastline become visible. The flight then crosses the continental interior, with views of the Great Lakes region, the Rocky Mountains (particularly visible if flying a slightly northern route), and eventually the Sierra Nevada mountains before descent into the San Francisco Bay Area. The most dramatic midpoint scenery occurs over the Rocky Mountains and the transition to the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada ranges.