While left offers Beijing departure scenery, right provides superior views on the longer descent into San Francisco, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area geography that dominates the final 90 minutes of flight.
Flown PKX to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to San Francisco is 5,935 miles (9,551 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
Great Lakes region (Michigan, Superior), Rocky Mountains (Montana/Wyoming), Great Basin deserts (Nevada/Utah), Sierra Nevada range approaching California coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PKX
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Yanshan Mountains to the northwest and the sprawling urban grid of Beijing's northern districts during climb-out. Right side faces industrial suburbs and less distinctive terrain.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge area, and Marin Headlands during descent into SFO. Left side shows inland hills and less distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to San Francisco. While left offers Beijing departure scenery, right provides superior views on the longer descent into San Francisco, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area geography that dominates the final 90 minutes of flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing?
During takeoff from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Yanshan Mountains to the northwest and the sprawling urban grid of Beijing's northern districts during climb-out. Right side faces industrial suburbs and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Yanshan Mountains (northwest), Beijing urban sprawl, Ming Tombs area (north), Juyongguan Pass.
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. Right side provides excellent views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge area, and Marin Headlands during descent into SFO. Left side shows inland hills and less distinctive features. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from Beijing to San Francisco?
The flight from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,935 miles (9,551 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Great Lakes region (Michigan, Superior), Rocky Mountains (Montana/Wyoming), Great Basin deserts (Nevada/Utah), Sierra Nevada range approaching California coast