The right side captures the dramatic transition from the Sonoran Desert and Arizona mountain terrain early in the flight, including the Superstition Mountains and the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. While the left side wins at landing, the right side delivers more visually varied scenery across the full flight including the New Mexico high desert plateau and the transition into Oklahoma's green rolling terrain.
Flown PHX to TUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Tulsa is 933 miles (1,501 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses eastern Arizona's White Mountains and the Mogollon Rim escarpment, then traverses the high plains of eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, before descending over the rolling red-clay hills and river valleys of northeastern Oklahoma. The transition from arid brown desert to green Oklahoma prairie is clearly visible from altitude around the Oklahoma border.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
RIGHTPHX typically departs east on runway 26R/8 or uses runways oriented east-west. Departing eastbound, the right (south) side gives you a clear view of South Mountain Park and the broad Salt River valley floor. You also get a good look at the dense Phoenix metro grid spreading out below before the desert opens up.
Landing at TUL
LEFTTulsa International sits northwest of downtown, and aircraft typically approach from the southwest on runway 18R/36L or similar headings. On the left (west/south) side during approach, you get a clear view of the Arkansas River bending through Tulsa and the downtown skyline. The river's wide floodplain and the city's compact skyline are the standout visual features.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Tulsa International (TUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Tulsa. The right side captures the dramatic transition from the Sonoran Desert and Arizona mountain terrain early in the flight, including the Superstition Mountains and the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. While the left side wins at landing, the right side delivers more visually varied scenery across the full flight including the New Mexico high desert plateau and the transition into Oklahoma's green rolling terrain.
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 east on runway 26R/8 or uses runways oriented east-west. Departing eastbound, the right (south) side gives you a clear view of South Mountain Park and the broad Salt River valley floor. You also get a good look at the dense Phoenix metro grid spreading out below before the desert opens up. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park, Salt River bed, Tempe Town Lake, Superstition Mountains to the east.
What can I see when landing at Tulsa International in Tulsa?
When landing at Tulsa International (TUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Tulsa International sits northwest of downtown, and aircraft typically approach from the southwest on runway 18R/36L or similar headings. On the left (west/south) side during approach, you get a clear view of the Arkansas River bending through Tulsa and the downtown skyline. The river's wide floodplain and the city's compact skyline are the standout visual features. Notable sights include: Arkansas River, Tulsa downtown skyline, Keystone Lake to the west, Green Country rolling hills.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Tulsa?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Tulsa International (TUL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 933 miles (1,501 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Tulsa flight path pass over?
The flight crosses eastern Arizona's White Mountains and the Mogollon Rim escarpment, then traverses the high plains of eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, before descending over the rolling red-clay hills and river valleys of northeastern Oklahoma. The transition from arid brown desert to green Oklahoma prairie is clearly visible from altitude around the Oklahoma border.