The right side wins at both ends of this short flight. You get the Strip and Red Rock on departure, then the spectacular San Diego Bay and Coronado approach on arrival. The mid-flight view over the Mojave and the Salton Sea (visible to the left/south on this routing) is less dramatic, so the right side's bookend views make it the clear choice.
Flown LAS to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Las Vegas to San Diego is 259 miles (417 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The flight tracks southwest across the Mojave Desert, crossing the San Bernardino Mountains or passing south of them depending on routing. The Salton Sea may be visible to the south as a large pale inland body of water. The Santa Ana Mountains and the broad Los Angeles Basin edge appear to the north. Approaching San Diego, the Laguna Mountains and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are visible to the east.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAS
RIGHTMcCarran typically departs south or southwest on runways 25L/25R or 01/19. A right-side seat gives you a clear view of the Las Vegas Strip as you climb out, with the downtown grid visible before the aircraft turns west. The Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon escarpment are also visible to the west-northwest from the right side.
Landing at SAN
RIGHTSan Diego International uses runway 27 for most landings, approaching from the east over downtown San Diego. A right-side seat gives you a direct view of San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the Coronado Bridge on final approach, which is one of the most dramatic urban approaches in the US. The left side faces inland toward Mission Hills and Balboa Park.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Carran International (LAS) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Las Vegas to San Diego. The right side wins at both ends of this short flight. You get the Strip and Red Rock on departure, then the spectacular San Diego Bay and Coronado approach on arrival. The mid-flight view over the Mojave and the Salton Sea (visible to the left/south on this routing) is less dramatic, so the right side's bookend views make it the clear choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
During takeoff from Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. McCarran typically departs south or southwest on runways 25L/25R or 01/19. A right-side seat gives you a clear view of the Las Vegas Strip as you climb out, with the downtown grid visible before the aircraft turns west. The Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon escarpment are also visible to the west-northwest from the right side. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip (hotels and casinos), Red Rock Canyon escarpment, Spring Mountains (Charleston Peak at 11,918 ft), Lake Mead visible to the northeast on a clear day.
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 Right side for the best views. San Diego International uses runway 27 for most landings, approaching from the east over downtown San Diego. A right-side seat gives you a direct view of San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the Coronado Bridge on final approach, which is one of the most dramatic urban approaches in the US. The left side faces inland toward Mission Hills and Balboa Park. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Island and Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline.
How long is the flight from Las Vegas to San Diego?
The flight from Mc Carran International (LAS) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 259 miles (417 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Las Vegas to San Diego flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest across the Mojave Desert, crossing the San Bernardino Mountains or passing south of them depending on routing. The Salton Sea may be visible to the south as a large pale inland body of water. The Santa Ana Mountains and the broad Los Angeles Basin edge appear to the north. Approaching San Diego, the Laguna Mountains and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are visible to the east.