The left side offers a more varied and dramatic full-flight experience, combining Mt. Hood at departure with distant views of the Cascade volcanic chain and Sierra Nevada foothills during cruise, while the right side's ocean-and-coastal payoff is concentrated mainly in the final descent into SBA.
Flown PDX to SBA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Santa Barbara is 785 miles (1,263 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Mt. Shasta, Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada foothills, Central Valley farmland
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
LEFTDeparting PDX to the west before turning south, passengers on the left get a clear view of Mt. Hood's snow-capped cone and the Columbia River gorge area as the plane banks. The Portland cityscape and Willamette River are also visible briefly on this side.
Landing at SBA
RIGHTOn approach to SBA's runway 25, the flight path crosses the Santa Ynez Mountains before turning toward the coast, giving right-side passengers a dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Barbara coastline, and the Channel Islands offshore. The final descent hugs the shoreline with the harbor and city visible.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Santa Barbara. The left side offers a more varied and dramatic full-flight experience, combining Mt. Hood at departure with distant views of the Cascade volcanic chain and Sierra Nevada foothills during cruise, while the right side's ocean-and-coastal payoff is concentrated mainly in the final descent into SBA.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PDX to the west before turning south, passengers on the left get a clear view of Mt. Hood's snow-capped cone and the Columbia River gorge area as the plane banks. The Portland cityscape and Willamette River are also visible briefly on this side. Notable sights include: Mt. Hood, Columbia River, Willamette River, Portland skyline.
What can I see when landing at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport in Santa Barbara?
When landing at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to SBA's runway 25, the flight path crosses the Santa Ynez Mountains before turning toward the coast, giving right-side passengers a dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Barbara coastline, and the Channel Islands offshore. The final descent hugs the shoreline with the harbor and city visible. Notable sights include: Santa Barbara coastline, Channel Islands, Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara Harbor.
How long is the flight from Portland to Santa Barbara?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 785 miles (1,263 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Santa Barbara flight path pass over?
Mt. Shasta, Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada foothills, Central Valley farmland