Oakland to Burbank is 325 miles (523 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of the San Francisco Bay and East Bay geography is more dramatic and sustained than the landing view. While left-side landing views are excellent, the right-side takeoff experience offers a longer window of distinctive coastal and mountain scenery as the aircraft climbs southbound.
Flight Path
During cruise, the flight passes over the Central Valley and approaches the Tehachapi Mountains region. Passengers may glimpse the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east (right side) as a distant ridge, and the Kern County oil fields and agricultural areas below. The descent begins around Bakersfield, with the San Gabriel Mountains becoming increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches the Los Angeles Basin from the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from OAK
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the San Francisco Bay and East Bay hills immediately after departure. OAK typically departs westbound (Runways 27L/27R), so right-side passengers get direct views of the bay's eastern shoreline, the Diablo Range, and the urban sprawl of the East Bay before climbing south toward Burbank.
Landing at BUR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during descent into Burbank. BUR typically lands on Runway 15 (southbound approach), meaning left-side passengers face west and get unobstructed views of the San Gabriel Mountains, downtown Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Basin's urban grid during the final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oakland to Burbank. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of the San Francisco Bay and East Bay geography is more dramatic and sustained than the landing view. While left-side landing views are excellent, the right-side takeoff experience offers a longer window of distinctive coastal and mountain scenery as the aircraft climbs southbound.
What can I see during takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?
During takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the San Francisco Bay and East Bay hills immediately after departure. OAK typically departs westbound (Runways 27L/27R), so right-side passengers get direct views of the bay's eastern shoreline, the Diablo Range, and the urban sprawl of the East Bay before climbing south toward Burbank. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (immediate west), Diablo Range (southeast horizon), Mount Diablo (distant peak at 3,849 ft, visible 40+ miles away), East Bay cities including Hayward and Fremont (below and receding).
What can I see when landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
When landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during descent into Burbank. BUR typically lands on Runway 15 (southbound approach), meaning left-side passengers face west and get unobstructed views of the San Gabriel Mountains, downtown Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Basin's urban grid during the final descent. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (north of Burbank, snow-capped peaks visible in winter), downtown Los Angeles skyline (southeast, visible as a cluster of tall buildings), Griffith Observatory area (northeast), Los Angeles Basin sprawl (entire southern view).
How long is the flight from Oakland to Burbank?
The flight from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 325 miles (523 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Oakland to Burbank flight path pass over?
During cruise, the flight passes over the Central Valley and approaches the Tehachapi Mountains region. Passengers may glimpse the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east (right side) as a distant ridge, and the Kern County oil fields and agricultural areas below. The descent begins around Bakersfield, with the San Gabriel Mountains becoming increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches the Los Angeles Basin from the north.