Spokane to San Francisco is 733 miles (1,180 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The right side wins overall. While the left side has a slight edge at takeoff for the Spokane River valley, the right side delivers the dominant visual payoff of the flight: the Cascade volcanoes (Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood visible in the distance during cruise), the Oregon Cascades, and most importantly the spectacular San Francisco Bay approach on landing, which is one of the most scenic urban approaches in the US.
Flight Path
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest over the Columbia Plateau, crosses the Columbia River gorge region, passes over the Oregon Cascades including views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson on the right side, continues over the Klamath Mountains and northern California ranges, then descends over the Sacramento Valley before crossing the Coast Range into the Bay Area. The right side offers the best Cascade volcano sightlines during cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GEG
LEFTSpokane typically departs runway 21 (heading southwest) or runway 3 (heading northeast). On a southbound flight to SFO, expect a southwest departure or a turn south shortly after. The left side gives you a clear look at the Spokane River valley and the city grid as you climb out, plus early views toward the Blue Mountains to the south.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTSFO typically lands on runways 28L/28R (heading west) or 19L/19R (heading south). On approach from the northeast, the right side gives you the best view of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco peninsula skyline as you descend over the East Bay. The left side faces inland toward the less scenic East Bay hills.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Spokane International (GEG) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Spokane to San Francisco. The right side wins overall. While the left side has a slight edge at takeoff for the Spokane River valley, the right side delivers the dominant visual payoff of the flight: the Cascade volcanoes (Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood visible in the distance during cruise), the Oregon Cascades, and most importantly the spectacular San Francisco Bay approach on landing, which is one of the most scenic urban approaches in the US.
What can I see during takeoff from Spokane International in Spokane?
During takeoff from Spokane International (GEG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Spokane typically departs runway 21 (heading southwest) or runway 3 (heading northeast). On a southbound flight to SFO, expect a southwest departure or a turn south shortly after. The left side gives you a clear look at the Spokane River valley and the city grid as you climb out, plus early views toward the Blue Mountains to the south. Notable sights include: Spokane River valley, downtown Spokane grid, Medical Lake to the west, early glimpse of the Palouse rolling hills to the south.
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. SFO typically lands on runways 28L/28R (heading west) or 19L/19R (heading south). On approach from the northeast, the right side gives you the best view of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco peninsula skyline as you descend over the East Bay. The left side faces inland toward the less scenic East Bay hills. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline and peninsula, San Mateo Bridge.
How long is the flight from Spokane to San Francisco?
The flight from Spokane International (GEG) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 733 miles (1,180 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Spokane to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest over the Columbia Plateau, crosses the Columbia River gorge region, passes over the Oregon Cascades including views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson on the right side, continues over the Klamath Mountains and northern California ranges, then descends over the Sacramento Valley before crossing the Coast Range into the Bay Area. The right side offers the best Cascade volcano sightlines during cruise.