The takeoff view from the left is superior—the Sierra Madre Occidental and Banderas Bay provide dramatic geography. While the landing from the right is also excellent, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding and less common on northbound routes.
Flown PVR to TIJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Puerto Vallarta to Tijuana is 1,092 miles (1,757 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path climbs northeast over the Sierra Madre Occidental, passing inland of the Nayarit coast. The midpoint occurs roughly over the Durango-Zacatecas plateau region, where the terrain transitions from coastal mountains to high desert. The Sinaloa lowlands appear to the west. As the aircraft continues north toward Tijuana, it descends over the Sonoran Desert and approaches the San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area from the southeast, with the Colorado River delta visible far to the east on clear days.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVR
LEFTPVR typically departs runway 05 (northeast) or 23 (southwest). Left seats offer the best view of Banderas Bay's coastline and the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills rising inland. Right seats face the Pacific Ocean but miss the dramatic terrain.
Landing at TIJ
RIGHTTIJ typically lands runway 09 (east) or 27 (west). Right seats provide excellent views during descent of the Tijuana River valley, the US-Mexico border fence, and the urban sprawl of both Tijuana and San Diego. Left seats face inland hills with less visual interest.
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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 General Abelardo L Rodriguez International (TIJ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Puerto Vallarta to Tijuana. The takeoff view from the left is superior—the Sierra Madre Occidental and Banderas Bay provide dramatic geography. While the landing from the right is also excellent, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding and less common on northbound routes.
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 typically departs runway 05 (northeast) or 23 (southwest). Left seats offer the best view of Banderas Bay's coastline and the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills rising inland. Right seats face the Pacific Ocean but miss the dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Banderas Bay (immediate offshore), Sierra Madre Occidental ridgeline to the east, Puerto Vallarta city sprawl along the coast, Río Cuale valley cutting through the coastal plain.
What can I see when landing at General Abelardo L Rodriguez International in Tijuana?
When landing at General Abelardo L Rodriguez International (TIJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. TIJ typically lands runway 09 (east) or 27 (west). Right seats provide excellent views during descent of the Tijuana River valley, the US-Mexico border fence, and the urban sprawl of both Tijuana and San Diego. Left seats face inland hills with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Tijuana River valley and estuary, US-Mexico border fence (visible as linear feature), Tijuana urban grid, San Diego metropolitan area to the north.
How long is the flight from Puerto Vallarta to Tijuana?
The flight from Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) to General Abelardo L Rodriguez International (TIJ) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,092 miles (1,757 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Puerto Vallarta to Tijuana flight path pass over?
The flight path climbs northeast over the Sierra Madre Occidental, passing inland of the Nayarit coast. The midpoint occurs roughly over the Durango-Zacatecas plateau region, where the terrain transitions from coastal mountains to high desert. The Sinaloa lowlands appear to the west. As the aircraft continues north toward Tijuana, it descends over the Sonoran Desert and approaches the San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area from the southeast, with the Colorado River delta visible far to the east on clear days.