Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise portion heading west-northwest, the left side also faces south, giving views of the Hill Country terrain transition, the Pecos River valley, and eventually the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert as you approach El Paso.
Flown IAH to ELP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to El Paso is 666 miles (1,072 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio, the Edwards Plateau, the Pecos River valley near Fort Stockton, the vast flat Chihuahuan Desert basin, and the Davis Mountains visible to the south before descending into the El Paso basin flanked by the Franklin Mountains
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTIAH typically departs northwest on runways 26L/26R or north on 15R/33L. A northwest departure puts the left side facing south toward downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel industrial complex. You'll also catch a clear view of Lake Houston to the northeast as the aircraft banks westward.
Landing at ELP
LEFTEl Paso International primarily uses runways 04/22 and 08R/26L. On approach from the east, aircraft typically come in from the southeast, putting the left side facing north toward the Franklin Mountains — the most dramatic visual feature of the El Paso area. The Rio Grande and Ciudad Juárez urban grid are also visible to the left on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to El Paso International (ELP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to El Paso. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise portion heading west-northwest, the left side also faces south, giving views of the Hill Country terrain transition, the Pecos River valley, and eventually the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert as you approach El Paso.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH typically departs northwest on runways 26L/26R or north on 15R/33L. A northwest departure puts the left side facing south toward downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel industrial complex. You'll also catch a clear view of Lake Houston to the northeast as the aircraft banks westward. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel, Lake Houston, Hobby Airport (visible to the south).
What can I see when landing at El Paso International in El Paso?
When landing at El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Left side for the best views. El Paso International primarily uses runways 04/22 and 08R/26L. On approach from the east, aircraft typically come in from the southeast, putting the left side facing north toward the Franklin Mountains — the most dramatic visual feature of the El Paso area. The Rio Grande and Ciudad Juárez urban grid are also visible to the left on final approach. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains State Park, Rio Grande, Ciudad Juárez urban grid, downtown El Paso.
How long is the flight from Houston to El Paso?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to El Paso International (ELP) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 666 miles (1,072 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to El Paso flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio, the Edwards Plateau, the Pecos River valley near Fort Stockton, the vast flat Chihuahuan Desert basin, and the Davis Mountains visible to the south before descending into the El Paso basin flanked by the Franklin Mountains