Puerto Vallarta to San Francisco is 1,556 miles (2,504 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The right side delivers the dramatic Banderas Bay departure view, and during the cruise northward along the Mexican and Baja California coast, the right side also faces west toward the Pacific and occasionally the Baja peninsula coastline. The left side wins at landing but the takeoff and mid-flight coastal views on the right are more consistently spectacular.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest up the Mexican Pacific coast, passing over or near the Jalisco and Nayarit coastlines, then over the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula or across the Gulf of California, continuing north along the Baja coast or over the Pacific, crossing into California airspace near Point Conception or the Channel Islands area, then tracking north over the Central California coast and the Santa Cruz Mountains before descending into the Bay Area.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVR
RIGHTPVR's primary departure runway 04 sends aircraft northeast over Banderas Bay before turning north. The right side faces west over the full expanse of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills rising behind Puerto Vallarta's coastline. You get a clean view of the bay's horseshoe shape and the town itself.
Landing at SFO
LEFTSFO's primary arrival runways 28L/28R have aircraft approaching from the east over the Bay Area, meaning a left-side seat faces south toward the San Francisco Peninsula, the bay, and the city. You get a clear view of San Francisco Bay, the San Mateo Bridge, and the city skyline on final approach.
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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 San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Puerto Vallarta to San Francisco. The right side delivers the dramatic Banderas Bay departure view, and during the cruise northward along the Mexican and Baja California coast, the right side also faces west toward the Pacific and occasionally the Baja peninsula coastline. The left side wins at landing but the takeoff and mid-flight coastal views on the right are more consistently spectacular.
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 Right side for the best views. PVR's primary departure runway 04 sends aircraft northeast over Banderas Bay before turning north. The right side faces west over the full expanse of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills rising behind Puerto Vallarta's coastline. You get a clean view of the bay's horseshoe shape and the town itself. Notable sights include: Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta waterfront and Malecon, Sierra Madre Occidental foothills to the east, Punta Mita peninsula to the north.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO's primary arrival runways 28L/28R have aircraft approaching from the east over the Bay Area, meaning a left-side seat faces south toward the San Francisco Peninsula, the bay, and the city. You get a clear view of San Francisco Bay, the San Mateo Bridge, and the city skyline on final approach. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Francisco city skyline, San Mateo Bridge, San Francisco Peninsula coastline.
How long is the flight from Puerto Vallarta to San Francisco?
The flight from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,556 miles (2,504 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Puerto Vallarta to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest up the Mexican Pacific coast, passing over or near the Jalisco and Nayarit coastlines, then over the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula or across the Gulf of California, continuing north along the Baja coast or over the Pacific, crossing into California airspace near Point Conception or the Channel Islands area, then tracking north over the Central California coast and the Santa Cruz Mountains before descending into the Bay Area.