Phoenix to Puerto Vallarta is 974 miles (1,567 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Right side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — South Mountain and the Phoenix basin on departure, and the full Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre approach on arrival. During cruise the right side also tracks closer to the Gulf of California coastline as the route trends southwest.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Sonoran Desert south of Phoenix, then the rugged Sierra Madre Occidental ranges of Sonora and Sinaloa. The Gulf of California coastline appears to the right at cruise altitude as the flight tracks southwest. Over Nayarit the terrain transitions to dense tropical sierra before descending toward the Pacific coast and Banderas Bay.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTPHX typically departs west on runway 26 or east on runway 8. Westbound departures on 26 give right-side passengers a clear view of downtown Phoenix, the Salt River valley, and the South Mountain Park massif. Eastbound departures on 8 give right-side passengers views of the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale.
Landing at PVR
RIGHTPVR's runway 04/22 means arrivals typically come in from the south over Banderas Bay or from the north over the Sierra Madre foothills. On the common runway 04 approach from the south, right-side passengers get the full panorama of Banderas Bay, the Sierra Madre Occidental ridgelines, and the Puerto Vallarta waterfront. Left side faces inland jungle hills with less visual payoff.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Puerto Vallarta. Right side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — South Mountain and the Phoenix basin on departure, and the full Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre approach on arrival. During cruise the right side also tracks closer to the Gulf of California coastline as the route trends southwest.
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. PHX typically departs west on runway 26 or east on runway 8. Westbound departures on 26 give right-side passengers a clear view of downtown Phoenix, the Salt River valley, and the South Mountain Park massif. Eastbound departures on 8 give right-side passengers views of the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, downtown Phoenix grid, Camelback Mountain, Salt River bed.
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International in Puerto Vallarta?
When landing at Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. PVR's runway 04/22 means arrivals typically come in from the south over Banderas Bay or from the north over the Sierra Madre foothills. On the common runway 04 approach from the south, right-side passengers get the full panorama of Banderas Bay, the Sierra Madre Occidental ridgelines, and the Puerto Vallarta waterfront. Left side faces inland jungle hills with less visual payoff. Notable sights include: Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta Malecón waterfront, Sierra Madre Occidental foothills, Cabo Corrientes headland.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Puerto Vallarta?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 974 miles (1,567 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Puerto Vallarta flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Sonoran Desert south of Phoenix, then the rugged Sierra Madre Occidental ranges of Sonora and Sinaloa. The Gulf of California coastline appears to the right at cruise altitude as the flight tracks southwest. Over Nayarit the terrain transitions to dense tropical sierra before descending toward the Pacific coast and Banderas Bay.