Phoenix to Monterey flight pathPHXMRY

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

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

Flight time2h 15m
Distance597
Heading294° → 288°
Best side
RightMostly right

While takeoff offers decent desert views, the landing approach provides far more dramatic and memorable scenery—the Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains are among California's most visually striking landscapes. Right seats capture this best.

Flown PHX to MRY? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Phoenix to Monterey is 597 miles (961 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.

San Luis Obispo County rolling hills, Salinas Valley agricultural plains, Gabilan Range to the east, Carmel Valley approach corridor

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Phoenix (left side) — Salt River Mountains, Phoenix metropolitan area grid, Sonoran Desert scrubland, Lake Pleasant (if visible at altitude)

Takeoff from PHX

LEFT

Left seats offer views of the Salt River Mountains and the Phoenix urban sprawl spreading northward. You'll see the city grid and surrounding desert terrain clearly during the northwesterly climb-out typical from PHX.

Salt River MountainsPhoenix metropolitan area gridSonoran Desert scrublandLake Pleasant
PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor InternationalHub for American Airlines, Southwest Airlines

Landing at MRY

RIGHT

Right seats provide excellent views of the Big Sur coastline and the Santa Lucia Mountains as you descend toward Monterey. The dramatic cliffs and Pacific Ocean are striking during the final approach from the south.

Santa Lucia MountainsBig Sur coastlinePacific OceanMonterey Bay
MRY Monterey Regional AirportMonterey, United States

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Monterey. While takeoff offers decent desert views, the landing approach provides far more dramatic and memorable scenery—the Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains are among California's most visually striking landscapes. Right seats capture this best.

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

During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Salt River Mountains and the Phoenix urban sprawl spreading northward. You'll see the city grid and surrounding desert terrain clearly during the northwesterly climb-out typical from PHX. Notable sights include: Salt River Mountains, Phoenix metropolitan area grid, Sonoran Desert scrubland, Lake Pleasant (if visible at altitude).

What can I see when landing at Monterey Regional Airport in Monterey?

When landing at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views of the Big Sur coastline and the Santa Lucia Mountains as you descend toward Monterey. The dramatic cliffs and Pacific Ocean are striking during the final approach from the south. Notable sights include: Santa Lucia Mountains, Big Sur coastline, Pacific Ocean, Monterey Bay.

How long is the flight from Phoenix to Monterey?

The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 597 miles (961 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Phoenix to Monterey flight path pass over?

San Luis Obispo County rolling hills, Salinas Valley agricultural plains, Gabilan Range to the east, Carmel Valley approach corridor