While the takeoff offers dramatic Sierra Nevada views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained and varied scenery—the Colorado River, Hill Country terrain, and Austin's urban landscape create a more compelling overall experience. The right side captures the geographic transition that defines the flight path.
Flown RNO to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reno to Austin is 1,403 miles (2,258 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Basin and then transitions into the Colorado Plateau region. Notable midpoint features include the Utah-Nevada border area, the San Rafael Swell (visible as a distinctive uplift on the landscape), and the Colorado River system as it approaches Arizona. The terrain gradually transitions from high desert basin-and-range topography to the more complex plateau and canyon country of the Colorado Plateau, then descends into the Texas Hill Country as you approach Austin. Most of this midpoint section offers relatively sparse, open desert landscape with limited dramatic features visible from cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RNO
LEFTLeft-side seats offer immediate views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range rising directly west of Reno. The peaks are dramatic and snow-capped (seasonally), providing striking scenery during climb-out. Right-side views show the flatter high desert plateau extending eastward, which is less visually distinctive.
Landing at AUS
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Austin. The Colorado River and its distinctive meanders become visible in the final approach, along with the Texas Hill Country's rolling terrain. The city of Austin itself spreads across the landscape on the right side as you descend toward Bergstrom.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reno to Austin. While the takeoff offers dramatic Sierra Nevada views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained and varied scenery—the Colorado River, Hill Country terrain, and Austin's urban landscape create a more compelling overall experience. The right side captures the geographic transition that defines the flight path.
What can I see during takeoff from Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
During takeoff from Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer immediate views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range rising directly west of Reno. The peaks are dramatic and snow-capped (seasonally), providing striking scenery during climb-out. Right-side views show the flatter high desert plateau extending eastward, which is less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada range, Lake Tahoe (visible on clear days to the northwest), Washoe Valley, high desert plateau.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Austin. The Colorado River and its distinctive meanders become visible in the final approach, along with the Texas Hill Country's rolling terrain. The city of Austin itself spreads across the landscape on the right side as you descend toward Bergstrom. Notable sights include: Colorado River and its bends, Texas Hill Country rolling terrain, Lady Bird Lake (within Austin city limits), downtown Austin skyline.
How long is the flight from Reno to Austin?
The flight from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,403 miles (2,258 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reno to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Basin and then transitions into the Colorado Plateau region. Notable midpoint features include the Utah-Nevada border area, the San Rafael Swell (visible as a distinctive uplift on the landscape), and the Colorado River system as it approaches Arizona. The terrain gradually transitions from high desert basin-and-range topography to the more complex plateau and canyon country of the Colorado Plateau, then descends into the Texas Hill Country as you approach Austin. Most of this midpoint section offers relatively sparse, open desert landscape with limited dramatic features visible from cruise altitude.