The right side wins on the strength of the departure sequence, with Phoenix's skyline and desert mountains giving way during cruise to expansive views of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas, Lake Mead, and the Sierra Nevada crest — a more varied and dramatic sequence than the left side's desert plains and Central Valley farmland, even though the left side wins the final approach into Sacramento.
Flown PHX to SMF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Sacramento is 646 miles (1,040 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Mojave Desert, Las Vegas Valley and Lake Mead, Sierra Nevada mountain crest, Central Valley farmland approaching Sacramento
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTDeparting Sky Harbor to the west before turning northwest toward Sacramento, right-side passengers get a close look at downtown Phoenix's skyline backed by Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, plus the red sandstone buttes of Papago Park. Left-side views show South Mountain Park and the Estrella Mountains, which are scenic but less distinctive.
Landing at SMF
LEFTOn approach into Sacramento from the southeast, left-side passengers see the Sacramento River winding past downtown, including the Tower Bridge, before the aircraft crosses the flat checkerboard farmland of the Central Valley. The right side mostly shows featureless valley farmland with the Sierra Nevada foothills too distant to be prominent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Sacramento International (SMF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Sacramento. The right side wins on the strength of the departure sequence, with Phoenix's skyline and desert mountains giving way during cruise to expansive views of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas, Lake Mead, and the Sierra Nevada crest — a more varied and dramatic sequence than the left side's desert plains and Central Valley farmland, even though the left side wins the final approach into Sacramento.
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 Sky Harbor to the west before turning northwest toward Sacramento, right-side passengers get a close look at downtown Phoenix's skyline backed by Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, plus the red sandstone buttes of Papago Park. Left-side views show South Mountain Park and the Estrella Mountains, which are scenic but less distinctive. Notable sights include: Downtown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Papago Park buttes.
What can I see when landing at Sacramento International in Sacramento?
When landing at Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Sacramento from the southeast, left-side passengers see the Sacramento River winding past downtown, including the Tower Bridge, before the aircraft crosses the flat checkerboard farmland of the Central Valley. The right side mostly shows featureless valley farmland with the Sierra Nevada foothills too distant to be prominent. Notable sights include: Sacramento River, Tower Bridge, downtown Sacramento skyline, Central Valley farmland.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Sacramento?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Sacramento International (SMF) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 646 miles (1,040 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Sacramento flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, Las Vegas Valley and Lake Mead, Sierra Nevada mountain crest, Central Valley farmland approaching Sacramento