The right side wins overall because the great-circle route passes near the Colorado Rockies, Great Salt Lake, and Sierra Nevada on that side during cruise, and the SFO approach reveals the San Francisco skyline and bay bridges — far more dramatic than the left side's plains and East Bay hills.
Flown IND to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Indianapolis to San Francisco is 1,939 miles (3,120 km), a flight of about 4 hours 20 minutes.
Colorado Rockies near Denver, Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Range in Utah, Nevada's Basin and Range desert, Sierra Nevada mountains before descent into the Bay Area
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IND
RIGHTDeparting IND on runway 23 the aircraft banks southwest over Indianapolis, giving the right side a brief view of the downtown skyline and White River before the plains take over. Neither side offers much beyond flat farmland, but the right retains the only urban interest.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn approach to SFO from the east, the aircraft crosses the Bay toward the western runways, putting San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter East Bay and Diablo Range foothills.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indianapolis International (IND) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco. The right side wins overall because the great-circle route passes near the Colorado Rockies, Great Salt Lake, and Sierra Nevada on that side during cruise, and the SFO approach reveals the San Francisco skyline and bay bridges — far more dramatic than the left side's plains and East Bay hills.
What can I see during takeoff from Indianapolis International in Indianapolis?
During takeoff from Indianapolis International (IND), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IND on runway 23 the aircraft banks southwest over Indianapolis, giving the right side a brief view of the downtown skyline and White River before the plains take over. Neither side offers much beyond flat farmland, but the right retains the only urban interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Indianapolis skyline, White River, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (distant), patchwork Indiana farmland.
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. On approach to SFO from the east, the aircraft crosses the Bay toward the western runways, putting San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter East Bay and Diablo Range foothills. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay.
How long is the flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco?
The flight from Indianapolis International (IND) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 4 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,939 miles (3,120 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Indianapolis to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Colorado Rockies near Denver, Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Range in Utah, Nevada's Basin and Range desert, Sierra Nevada mountains before descent into the Bay Area