Right side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over Nevada, the right side also looks south toward the Mojave and catches the Spring Mountains range as you approach Las Vegas, while the left side faces mostly open Great Basin desert. Right is the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown MCC to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sacramento to Las Vegas is 387 miles (622 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight crosses the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Sacramento, then transitions into the Great Basin desert of Nevada. You pass over the Toiyabe and Humboldt ranges as distant ridgelines, the flat alkali playas of central Nevada, and the Amargosa Desert before descending toward the Las Vegas Valley. Lake Mead may be visible to the southeast on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCC
RIGHTMcClellan typically departs runway 34 (northward) or 16 (southward). On a southbound departure toward Las Vegas, a right-side seat gives you views over Sacramento city and the Sacramento River valley as you climb out. You'll also catch the Sierra Nevada foothills rising to the east in the distance.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTLas Vegas McCarran typically lands on runways 26L/26R (westbound approach) or 19L/19R (southbound). On a westbound approach from the east, right-side seats look north over the Las Vegas Strip and downtown, which is one of the most dramatic urban aerial views in the American West. On a southbound approach, right side still captures the Strip laid out below.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Clellan Afld (MCC) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sacramento to Las Vegas. Right side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over Nevada, the right side also looks south toward the Mojave and catches the Spring Mountains range as you approach Las Vegas, while the left side faces mostly open Great Basin desert. Right is the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Clellan Afld in Sacramento?
During takeoff from Mc Clellan Afld (MCC), sit on the Right side for the best views. McClellan typically departs runway 34 (northward) or 16 (southward). On a southbound departure toward Las Vegas, a right-side seat gives you views over Sacramento city and the Sacramento River valley as you climb out. You'll also catch the Sierra Nevada foothills rising to the east in the distance. Notable sights include: Sacramento River confluence with American River, Sacramento downtown grid, Sierra Nevada foothills to the east, Sacramento Valley flatlands stretching south.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Las Vegas McCarran typically lands on runways 26L/26R (westbound approach) or 19L/19R (southbound). On a westbound approach from the east, right-side seats look north over the Las Vegas Strip and downtown, which is one of the most dramatic urban aerial views in the American West. On a southbound approach, right side still captures the Strip laid out below. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip hotels and casinos, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead to the southeast, Spring Mountains (Charleston Peak) to the west, Mojave Desert basin floor.
How long is the flight from Sacramento to Las Vegas?
The flight from Mc Clellan Afld (MCC) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 387 miles (622 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sacramento to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Sacramento, then transitions into the Great Basin desert of Nevada. You pass over the Toiyabe and Humboldt ranges as distant ridgelines, the flat alkali playas of central Nevada, and the Amargosa Desert before descending toward the Las Vegas Valley. Lake Mead may be visible to the southeast on descent.