The right side delivers a more complete scenic package: Phoenix's signature mountains during departure, a possible glimpse of Lake Mead's blue water and the Hoover Dam corridor during cruise, and the iconic Las Vegas Strip skyline on final approach. The left side offers only open Sonoran and Mojave desert with fewer named landmarks.
Flown PHX to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Las Vegas is 256 miles (411 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Sonoran Desert basin, Harquahala and Black Mountains, the Colorado River corridor near Lake Mead, and the Mojave Desert approaching the Las Vegas valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTDeparting PHX toward the northwest, the aircraft banks right after takeoff, putting downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, and Piestewa Peak on the right side as the city recedes. The left side mostly shows the flatter Ahwatukee foothills and South Mountain Park, which is less distinctive from this angle.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTOn final approach to runway 26 at LAS, the aircraft flies west with the Las Vegas Strip visible off the right side, offering a classic view of the hotel towers and casino skyline before touchdown. The left side during this approach shows mostly open desert and distant mountain ridgelines with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Las Vegas. The right side delivers a more complete scenic package: Phoenix's signature mountains during departure, a possible glimpse of Lake Mead's blue water and the Hoover Dam corridor during cruise, and the iconic Las Vegas Strip skyline on final approach. The left side offers only open Sonoran and Mojave desert with fewer named landmarks.
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 toward the northwest, the aircraft banks right after takeoff, putting downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, and Piestewa Peak on the right side as the city recedes. The left side mostly shows the flatter Ahwatukee foothills and South Mountain Park, which is less distinctive from this angle. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, downtown Phoenix skyline, McDowell Mountains.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach to runway 26 at LAS, the aircraft flies west with the Las Vegas Strip visible off the right side, offering a classic view of the hotel towers and casino skyline before touchdown. The left side during this approach shows mostly open desert and distant mountain ridgelines with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip, Fremont Street downtown cluster, Sunrise Mountain foothills, McCarran airport runway complex.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Las Vegas?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 256 miles (411 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
Sonoran Desert basin, Harquahala and Black Mountains, the Colorado River corridor near Lake Mead, and the Mojave Desert approaching the Las Vegas valley