Oakland to Los Angeles flight pathOAKLAX

Sit on the right side of the plane

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Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 10m
Distance337
Heading140° → 142°

Oakland to Los Angeles is 337 miles (543 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Best side
RightMostly right

The right side wins overall because the landing approach into LAX from the east delivers a sustained and spectacular view of the entire LA basin, the downtown skyline, and the Santa Monica Mountains during a long descent. The takeoff view from the left is excellent but briefer. Right-side passengers also get views of the Central Valley agricultural patchwork and the Tehachapi Mountains during the mid-flight portion.

Takeoff · OAKLEFTSan Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline
Landing · LAXRIGHTDowntown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica Bay coastline

Flight Path

Flight path overview

After departing Oakland, the flight tracks south over the Santa Clara Valley and San Jose, then crosses the Diablo Range into the San Joaquin Valley. The flat agricultural grid of the Central Valley is visible below, with the Sierra Nevada appearing as a snow-capped wall to the left (east) and the Coast Ranges as lower ridges to the right (west). The Tehachapi Mountains mark the southern end of the Central Valley before the descent into the LA basin begins.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from OAK

LEFT

OAK typically departs south on runway 28L/28R or runway 12, but the most common southbound departure takes you over the Bay. A left (east-facing) seat gives you the full sweep of San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and downtown San Francisco across the water as you climb out heading south.

San Francisco BayBay Bridgedowntown San Francisco skylineAlameda Naval Air Station island
Aerial window seat view during landing at Los Angeles (right side) — Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica Bay coastline, Inglewood and SoFi Stadium

Landing at LAX

RIGHT

LAX typically lands westbound on runways 24L/24R or 25L/25R, approaching from the east over Los Angeles. A right (north-facing) seat gives you the LA basin, downtown LA skyline, Santa Monica Mountains, and the coastline as you descend over the city.

Downtown Los Angeles skylineSanta Monica MountainsSanta Monica Bay coastlineInglewood and SoFi Stadium

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oakland to Los Angeles. The right side wins overall because the landing approach into LAX from the east delivers a sustained and spectacular view of the entire LA basin, the downtown skyline, and the Santa Monica Mountains during a long descent. The takeoff view from the left is excellent but briefer. Right-side passengers also get views of the Central Valley agricultural patchwork and the Tehachapi Mountains during the mid-flight portion.

What can I see during takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?

During takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Left side for the best views. OAK typically departs south on runway 28L/28R or runway 12, but the most common southbound departure takes you over the Bay. A left (east-facing) seat gives you the full sweep of San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and downtown San Francisco across the water as you climb out heading south. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline, Alameda Naval Air Station island.

What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?

When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX typically lands westbound on runways 24L/24R or 25L/25R, approaching from the east over Los Angeles. A right (north-facing) seat gives you the LA basin, downtown LA skyline, Santa Monica Mountains, and the coastline as you descend over the city. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica Bay coastline, Inglewood and SoFi Stadium.

How long is the flight from Oakland to Los Angeles?

The flight from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 337 miles (543 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Oakland to Los Angeles flight path pass over?

After departing Oakland, the flight tracks south over the Santa Clara Valley and San Jose, then crosses the Diablo Range into the San Joaquin Valley. The flat agricultural grid of the Central Valley is visible below, with the Sierra Nevada appearing as a snow-capped wall to the left (east) and the Coast Ranges as lower ridges to the right (west). The Tehachapi Mountains mark the southern end of the Central Valley before the descent into the LA basin begins.