Puerto Vallarta to Phoenix is 974 miles (1,567 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The left side delivers the dramatic Banderas Bay and Pacific coastline departure, then tracks the western Sierra Madre ranges through Nayarit and Sinaloa, and still offers a reasonable view of the Phoenix valley on approach. The right side's PHX landing advantage is real but narrower than the left's takeoff spectacle over the bay.
Flight Path
After leaving the coast the route crosses the Sierra Madre Occidental over Nayarit and southern Sinaloa, with rugged ridgelines and deep barrancas visible. The flight then crosses the Sonoran Desert through southern Arizona, passing over the arid basin-and-range terrain with isolated mountain ranges like the Pinacate volcanic field and the Ajo Mountains visible as dark isolated ridges rising from flat desert plains.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVR
LEFTPVR's primary departure runway is 04, meaning aircraft climb out heading northeast over Banderas Bay. The left (west) side gives you the full sweep of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Occidental rising behind Puerto Vallarta. Right side faces inland scrub immediately.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTPHX primarily uses runways 26L/26R for westbound arrivals, meaning the approach comes from the east over the Valley of the Sun. The right (north) side gives you downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, and the broader Scottsdale metro. Left side faces south toward Tempe and Mesa with less distinctive terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Puerto Vallarta to Phoenix. The left side delivers the dramatic Banderas Bay and Pacific coastline departure, then tracks the western Sierra Madre ranges through Nayarit and Sinaloa, and still offers a reasonable view of the Phoenix valley on approach. The right side's PHX landing advantage is real but narrower than the left's takeoff spectacle over the bay.
What can I see during takeoff from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International in Puerto Vallarta?
During takeoff from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. PVR's primary departure runway is 04, meaning aircraft climb out heading northeast over Banderas Bay. The left (west) side gives you the full sweep of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Occidental rising behind Puerto Vallarta. Right side faces inland scrub immediately. Notable sights include: Banderas Bay coastline, Puerto Vallarta city grid along the bay shore, Sierra Madre Occidental foothills, Punta Mita peninsula to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. PHX primarily uses runways 26L/26R for westbound arrivals, meaning the approach comes from the east over the Valley of the Sun. The right (north) side gives you downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, and the broader Scottsdale metro. Left side faces south toward Tempe and Mesa with less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, downtown Phoenix skyline, South Mountain Park ridge, Salt River bed through the valley floor.
How long is the flight from Puerto Vallarta to Phoenix?
The flight from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) 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 Puerto Vallarta to Phoenix flight path pass over?
After leaving the coast the route crosses the Sierra Madre Occidental over Nayarit and southern Sinaloa, with rugged ridgelines and deep barrancas visible. The flight then crosses the Sonoran Desert through southern Arizona, passing over the arid basin-and-range terrain with isolated mountain ranges like the Pinacate volcanic field and the Ajo Mountains visible as dark isolated ridges rising from flat desert plains.