While the takeoff offers interesting Thames and North Sea views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and iconic scenery—the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and San Francisco Bay are far more visually distinctive than the departure landscape.
Flown LCY to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to San Francisco is 5,367 miles (8,638 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks for approximately 6 hours; Greenland's ice sheet and coastal features visible on the northern route; Canadian Arctic islands and Hudson Bay region during westbound descent; Rocky Mountains (particularly visible peaks in Colorado and Wyoming) during the final 2-3 hours approaching the West Coast; Sierra Nevada mountains becoming prominent 90 minutes before landing at SFO
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTLeft side captures the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as you climb out eastward from City Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the industrial landscape of East London receding beneath you.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTRight side offers the best views during approach to SFO. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands as you descend westward into the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to San Francisco. While the takeoff offers interesting Thames and North Sea views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and iconic scenery—the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and San Francisco Bay are far more visually distinctive than the departure landscape.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as you climb out eastward from City Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the industrial landscape of East London receding beneath you. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, North Sea coast, East London urban sprawl, Essex marshlands.
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. Right side offers the best views during approach to SFO. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands as you descend westward into the airport. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from London to San Francisco?
The flight from City (LCY) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,367 miles (8,638 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks for approximately 6 hours; Greenland's ice sheet and coastal features visible on the northern route; Canadian Arctic islands and Hudson Bay region during westbound descent; Rocky Mountains (particularly visible peaks in Colorado and Wyoming) during the final 2-3 hours approaching the West Coast; Sierra Nevada mountains becoming prominent 90 minutes before landing at SFO