El Paso to Phoenix is 346 miles (557 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The right side wins overall for the dramatic Franklin Mountains and border region departure view from El Paso, and during the cruise phase the right side tracks closer to the Pinaleno Mountains and the rugged Sonoran Desert terrain of southeastern Arizona. The landing view on the left is strong, but the takeoff scenery on the right is more geographically dramatic.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Lordsburg Playa and the broad Animas Valley in southwestern New Mexico, then enters Arizona over the Dos Cabezas Mountains and the Willcox Playa — a large dry lake bed that is visually distinctive from altitude. The Pinaleno Mountains (Mount Graham, 10,720 ft) are visible to the north as the flight tracks northwest. The broad Gila River valley and the flat agricultural patchwork around Safford and Globe are visible before descent into the Phoenix basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ELP
RIGHTEl Paso typically departs northwest on runway 26L/R, putting the Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande valley on the right side. You get a direct look at the Franklin Mountains State Park ridgeline and the dense urban grid of El Paso merging with Ciudad Juárez across the border.
Landing at PHX
LEFTPhoenix Sky Harbor typically lands from the east on runway 26L/R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east heading west. The left side gives you a clear view of the South Mountain Park massif, the Salt River bed, and the dense Phoenix metro grid spreading across the Valley of the Sun.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Paso International (ELP) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from El Paso to Phoenix. The right side wins overall for the dramatic Franklin Mountains and border region departure view from El Paso, and during the cruise phase the right side tracks closer to the Pinaleno Mountains and the rugged Sonoran Desert terrain of southeastern Arizona. The landing view on the left is strong, but the takeoff scenery on the right is more geographically dramatic.
What can I see during takeoff from El Paso International in El Paso?
During takeoff from El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Right side for the best views. El Paso typically departs northwest on runway 26L/R, putting the Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande valley on the right side. You get a direct look at the Franklin Mountains State Park ridgeline and the dense urban grid of El Paso merging with Ciudad Juárez across the border. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande/US-Mexico border, Ciudad Juárez urban sprawl, Hueco Tanks rock formations to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Phoenix Sky Harbor typically lands from the east on runway 26L/R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east heading west. The left side gives you a clear view of the South Mountain Park massif, the Salt River bed, and the dense Phoenix metro grid spreading across the Valley of the Sun. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Salt River bed (dry), Phoenix downtown skyline, Tempe Town Lake.
How long is the flight from El Paso to Phoenix?
The flight from El Paso International (ELP) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 346 miles (557 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the El Paso to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Lordsburg Playa and the broad Animas Valley in southwestern New Mexico, then enters Arizona over the Dos Cabezas Mountains and the Willcox Playa — a large dry lake bed that is visually distinctive from altitude. The Pinaleno Mountains (Mount Graham, 10,720 ft) are visible to the north as the flight tracks northwest. The broad Gila River valley and the flat agricultural patchwork around Safford and Globe are visible before descent into the Phoenix basin.