About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fiumicino (FCO) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rome to San Francisco. The right side wins overall. The Rome departure views — the Tiber, the historic city, the Alban Hills — are genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. The transatlantic and transcontinental portions offer similar views from both sides, and the SFO arrival is good on both sides. The departure experience tips it to the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Fiumicino in Rome?
During takeoff from Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. FCO typically departs on runway 16R/16L heading south, then aircraft turn right (northwest) over the Tyrrhenian Sea before tracking north. Right-side passengers get a clear view back over Rome's historic center, the Tiber River snaking through the city, and the Alban Hills to the southeast. Left side faces open sea during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Rome's historic center and Colosseum area, the Tiber River, Castel Sant'Angelo and Vatican district, the Alban Hills (Castelli Romani).
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 typically lands on runways 28L/28R approaching from the east over the Bay, or on 19L/19R from the north. On the common 28L/28R approach heading west, left-side passengers look south over the San Francisco Bay, the San Mateo Bridge, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Right side faces north toward the city skyline and the Golden Gate, but the left side gets the broader Bay panorama during the long approach over water. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Mateo Bridge, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the south, downtown San Francisco skyline to the north.
How long is the flight from Rome to San Francisco?
The flight from Fiumicino (FCO) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Rome to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Alps (briefly visible after departure), then crosses the French coast near Brittany and heads over the North Atlantic. The route typically passes south of Greenland and Iceland, crossing Canada over Newfoundland, Quebec, and Ontario before entering US airspace over the Great Lakes region. It then crosses the northern Rockies — the Sierra Nevada is visible on descent into California. Mid-flight views are largely open ocean and, over Canada, boreal forest and frozen lakes.