The right side captures the more dramatic cruise-phase terrain—Rocky Mountain front range and the Great Salt Lake—plus a spectacular San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge view on landing, outweighing the modest Appalachian glimpse on the left during takeoff.
Flight Path
Mississippi River, Great Plains of Kansas and Colorado, Rocky Mountain Front Range, Great Salt Lake, Sierra Nevada
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
LEFTDeparting RDU to the southwest before turning west, the left side offers a brief glimpse of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the southern Appalachian ridgelines as the aircraft climbs out over North Carolina's Piedmont.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn the descent into SFO, the right side reveals the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the sweep of the Bay as the aircraft aligns with the north-south runways, giving a dramatic final approach view.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco. The right side captures the more dramatic cruise-phase terrain—Rocky Mountain front range and the Great Salt Lake—plus a spectacular San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge view on landing, outweighing the modest Appalachian glimpse on the left during takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing RDU to the southwest before turning west, the left side offers a brief glimpse of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the southern Appalachian ridgelines as the aircraft climbs out over North Carolina's Piedmont. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains foothills, Raleigh-Durham Research Triangle sprawl.
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. On the descent into SFO, the right side reveals the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the sweep of the Bay as the aircraft aligns with the north-south runways, giving a dramatic final approach view. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 5h 15m.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Mississippi River, Great Plains of Kansas and Colorado, Rocky Mountain Front Range, Great Salt Lake, Sierra Nevada