Phoenix to Albuquerque flight pathPHXABQ

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

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

Flight time1h 05m
Distance328
Heading069° → 072°
Best side
Right
★ 3.0 left·★ 3.5 right

The right side offers the most distinctive terrain features of the flight — the Superstition Mountains during departure and the Sandia Mountains during arrival — bookending the trip with dramatic desert peaks, while the left side mostly shows the flatter Mogollon Plateau.

Flown PHX to ABQ? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Phoenix to Albuquerque is 328 miles (527 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.

The route crosses the Mogollon Rim and the high pine forests of central Arizona before descending into the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Phoenix (right side) — Superstition Mountains, Salt River Valley, Phoenix metro sprawl, Sonoran Desert terrain

Takeoff from PHX

RIGHT

Departing PHX to the northeast, the Superstition Mountains rise dramatically to the southeast of the city, giving right-side passengers a striking view of jagged desert peaks as the plane climbs out over the Sonoran Desert.

Superstition MountainsSalt River ValleyPhoenix metro sprawlSonoran Desert terrain
PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor InternationalHub for American Airlines, Southwest Airlines

Landing at ABQ

RIGHT

On approach into ABQ, the Sandia Mountains loom directly east of the airport, and passengers on the right side get a close, dramatic view of their granite face as the plane descends over the Rio Grande valley.

Sandia MountainsRio Grande riverAlbuquerque city gridWest Mesa volcanoes
ABQ Albuquerque International SunportHub for Southwest Airlines

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Albuquerque. The right side offers the most distinctive terrain features of the flight — the Superstition Mountains during departure and the Sandia Mountains during arrival — bookending the trip with dramatic desert peaks, while the left side mostly shows the flatter Mogollon Plateau.

What can I see during takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?

During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PHX to the northeast, the Superstition Mountains rise dramatically to the southeast of the city, giving right-side passengers a striking view of jagged desert peaks as the plane climbs out over the Sonoran Desert. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, Salt River Valley, Phoenix metro sprawl, Sonoran Desert terrain.

What can I see when landing at Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque?

When landing at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into ABQ, the Sandia Mountains loom directly east of the airport, and passengers on the right side get a close, dramatic view of their granite face as the plane descends over the Rio Grande valley. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains, Rio Grande river, Albuquerque city grid, West Mesa volcanoes.

How long is the flight from Phoenix to Albuquerque?

The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 328 miles (527 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Phoenix to Albuquerque flight path pass over?

The route crosses the Mogollon Rim and the high pine forests of central Arizona before descending into the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque.