While the right side offers a quick, iconic glimpse of Manhattan on departure, the left side wins the fuller experience thanks to SAN's dramatic low approach over downtown San Diego, the bay, and Coronado Bridge — a rare, close-in urban and coastal sequence that's hard to match.
Flown EWR to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to San Diego is 2,420 miles (3,895 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, the Great Plains of Kansas, the Rocky Mountains near Colorado, and the high desert basins of Utah and Nevada before descending into Southern California
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
RIGHTDeparting EWR on runway 22, the climb-out and turn toward the west briefly puts the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and Upper New York Bay in view on the right side before the aircraft settles onto its westbound heading. It's a short window but a genuinely iconic one.
Landing at SAN
LEFTOn the approach into SAN over Mission Valley and Balboa Park, the final turn for runway 27 puts the downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, and the Coronado Bridge on the left side as the aircraft descends low over the city before touching down near the waterfront.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to San Diego. While the right side offers a quick, iconic glimpse of Manhattan on departure, the left side wins the fuller experience thanks to SAN's dramatic low approach over downtown San Diego, the bay, and Coronado Bridge — a rare, close-in urban and coastal sequence that's hard to match.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing EWR on runway 22, the climb-out and turn toward the west briefly puts the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and Upper New York Bay in view on the right side before the aircraft settles onto its westbound heading. It's a short window but a genuinely iconic one. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Upper New York Bay, Staten Island.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into SAN over Mission Valley and Balboa Park, the final turn for runway 27 puts the downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, and the Coronado Bridge on the left side as the aircraft descends low over the city before touching down near the waterfront. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma peninsula.
How long is the flight from Newark to San Diego?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,420 miles (3,895 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to San Diego flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, the Great Plains of Kansas, the Rocky Mountains near Colorado, and the high desert basins of Utah and Nevada before descending into Southern California