Philadelphia to Las Vegas is 2,162 miles (3,479 km), a flight of about 4 hours 55 minutes.
While the Philadelphia skyline gives the right side an edge at takeoff, the left side dominates for the rest of the flight, with the southern Rockies, Colorado Plateau canyon country, and the dramatic Lake Mead/Hoover Dam approach into Las Vegas offering far more sustained scenic value.
Flight Path
Appalachian ridges of West Virginia, the Ohio River valley, Great Plains of Kansas, southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and the red-rock canyon country of the Colorado Plateau in Utah
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
RIGHTDeparting PHL to the west on runway 27, the aircraft banks over Center City Philadelphia, putting the skyline and Schuylkill River off the right side of the plane during initial climb. The left side mostly shows flat South Jersey suburbs with little visual interest.
Landing at LSV
LEFTOn approach into the Las Vegas valley from the northeast, the descent path passes south of the Lake Mead/Hoover Dam area and offers views of the Colorado River canyon country before turning toward Nellis, all visible on the left side. The right side mainly shows the open Mojave desert basin with less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Nellis Afb (LSV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Las Vegas. While the Philadelphia skyline gives the right side an edge at takeoff, the left side dominates for the rest of the flight, with the southern Rockies, Colorado Plateau canyon country, and the dramatic Lake Mead/Hoover Dam approach into Las Vegas offering far more sustained scenic value.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PHL to the west on runway 27, the aircraft banks over Center City Philadelphia, putting the skyline and Schuylkill River off the right side of the plane during initial climb. The left side mostly shows flat South Jersey suburbs with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Philadelphia skyline (Comcast Center, City Hall), Schuylkill River, University City, Delaware River in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Nellis Afb in Las Vegas?
When landing at Nellis Afb (LSV), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into the Las Vegas valley from the northeast, the descent path passes south of the Lake Mead/Hoover Dam area and offers views of the Colorado River canyon country before turning toward Nellis, all visible on the left side. The right side mainly shows the open Mojave desert basin with less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam area, Colorado River canyon lands, Spring Mountains (Mt. Charleston) in the distance.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Las Vegas?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Nellis Afb (LSV) takes about 4 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,162 miles (3,479 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridges of West Virginia, the Ohio River valley, Great Plains of Kansas, southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and the red-rock canyon country of the Colorado Plateau in Utah