About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to San Francisco. Left wins at takeoff for Phoenix city and South Mountain views, but right side delivers more consistently throughout the flight — you get the Mojave Desert and Tehachapi Mountains in the middle portion, and the spectacular San Francisco Bay approach at the end. The Bay arrival on the right is one of the better urban water approaches in the US.
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. PHX typically departs west on runway 26 or northwest on runway 25L/R. A left (south-facing) window gives you a clear look at South Mountain Park rising directly from the urban grid, plus the broad Salt River valley spreading eastward. You also get a good angle on the downtown Phoenix skyline as the aircraft banks northwest. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, downtown Phoenix skyline, Salt River bed, Tempe Town Lake.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. SFO typically lands on runways 28L/R approaching from the east over the Bay, or on 19L/R from the north. On the common easterly approach over the Bay, a right (north-facing) window gives you the San Francisco Peninsula, the city skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. On the 19 approach from the north, right side still captures the city and bay views. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Francisco city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to San Francisco?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
What does the Phoenix to San Francisco flight path pass over?
After leaving the Phoenix metro, the route crosses the Mojave Desert with its dry lake beds including Rogers Dry Lake near Edwards AFB. The Tehachapi Mountains mark the transition into California's Central Valley, which stretches wide and flat with its agricultural patchwork of fields. The Coast Ranges rise on the western edge before the descent into the Bay Area.