Oakland to Portland is 544 miles (876 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The right side wins overall because the route north from Oakland tracks close to the Cascade Range's volcanic spine, with Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen visible during cruise, followed by Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams on descent into PDX — a more consistently dramatic and varied sequence than the Pacific coastline and Coast Range visible on the left.
Flight Path
Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada foothills, Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, southern Cascade Range
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from OAK
LEFTDeparting OAK on the 28-side runways, aircraft climb out westward over San Francisco Bay before turning north. Left-side passengers get a sweeping view of the Bay, the San Francisco skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge before the turn north.
Landing at PDX
RIGHTOn approach into PDX from the east (typical with westerly winds favoring the 28 runways), the final descent path runs west across the Columbia River, giving right-side passengers views north toward Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams, plus the river itself just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oakland to Portland. The right side wins overall because the route north from Oakland tracks close to the Cascade Range's volcanic spine, with Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen visible during cruise, followed by Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams on descent into PDX — a more consistently dramatic and varied sequence than the Pacific coastline and Coast Range visible on the left.
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. Departing OAK on the 28-side runways, aircraft climb out westward over San Francisco Bay before turning north. Left-side passengers get a sweeping view of the Bay, the San Francisco skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge before the turn north. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into PDX from the east (typical with westerly winds favoring the 28 runways), the final descent path runs west across the Columbia River, giving right-side passengers views north toward Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams, plus the river itself just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Columbia River, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Portland's east-side neighborhoods.
How long is the flight from Oakland to Portland?
The flight from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 544 miles (876 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Oakland to Portland flight path pass over?
Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada foothills, Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, southern Cascade Range