While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides the most dramatic and memorable scenery—Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and the Kenai Peninsula are far more visually striking than the interior plateau and foothills seen during departure.
Flown EIL to ANC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Fairbanks to Anchorage is 257 miles (414 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Alaska Range foothills and transitions from the Tanana River drainage to the Susitna River valley. Around midpoint, you'll pass over the Susitna River flats and low mountains between Fairbanks and Anchorage. The Talkeetna Mountains become visible to the east/southeast on the left side of the aircraft during cruise. Cook Inlet comes into view in the final 20 minutes of descent, with the Chugach Range becoming increasingly prominent as you approach Anchorage from the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from EIL
RIGHTEielson AFB typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats capture the Tanana River valley and the Alaska Range foothills as you climb out, with the broader landscape opening up immediately. Left seats face the interior plateau with fewer distinctive features.
Landing at ANC
LEFTApproaching Anchorage typically uses runways 24L/24R (westbound) or 06L/06R (eastbound). Most arrivals come from the north/northeast, so left seats face Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains across the water. This provides dramatic views of the inlet, the Kenai Peninsula beyond, and the Chugach Range rising from the coast.
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 Eielson Afb (EIL) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fairbanks to Anchorage. While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides the most dramatic and memorable scenery—Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and the Kenai Peninsula are far more visually striking than the interior plateau and foothills seen during departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Eielson Afb in Fairbanks?
During takeoff from Eielson Afb (EIL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Eielson AFB typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats capture the Tanana River valley and the Alaska Range foothills as you climb out, with the broader landscape opening up immediately. Left seats face the interior plateau with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Tanana River (winding below), Alaska Range foothills (northeast horizon), Fairbanks city lights (if early morning/evening departure), Chena River confluence.
What can I see when landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International in Anchorage?
When landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Anchorage typically uses runways 24L/24R (westbound) or 06L/06R (eastbound). Most arrivals come from the north/northeast, so left seats face Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains across the water. This provides dramatic views of the inlet, the Kenai Peninsula beyond, and the Chugach Range rising from the coast. Notable sights include: Cook Inlet (major water body), Chugach Mountains (snow-capped range across inlet), Kenai Peninsula (visible beyond inlet), Anchorage coastal plain and city sprawl.
How long is the flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage?
The flight from Eielson Afb (EIL) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 257 miles (414 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fairbanks to Anchorage flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alaska Range foothills and transitions from the Tanana River drainage to the Susitna River valley. Around midpoint, you'll pass over the Susitna River flats and low mountains between Fairbanks and Anchorage. The Talkeetna Mountains become visible to the east/southeast on the left side of the aircraft during cruise. Cook Inlet comes into view in the final 20 minutes of descent, with the Chugach Range becoming increasingly prominent as you approach Anchorage from the north.