Reno to Los Angeles is 391 miles (630 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The right side delivers a continuous scenic arc from Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada at departure to the San Gabriel Mountains and downtown LA skyline on arrival, while the left side offers mostly featureless desert and suburban sprawl.
Flight Path
Sierra Nevada eastern escarpment, Mono Lake, Owens Valley, and the northern Mojave Desert along the route toward the Los Angeles basin
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RNO
RIGHTDeparting RNO southbound on 17R/35L, the climb parallels the eastern face of the Sierra Nevada, and Lake Tahoe's deep blue basin comes into view almost immediately off the west side of the aircraft. The left side only shows the flatter Great Basin desert of western Nevada.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the standard west-flow approach into LAX, the aircraft descends from the east across the Los Angeles basin, and the right side offers views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the downtown LA skyline before the final turn toward the coast. The left side mostly faces the flatter South Bay suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reno to Los Angeles. The right side delivers a continuous scenic arc from Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada at departure to the San Gabriel Mountains and downtown LA skyline on arrival, while the left side offers mostly featureless desert and suburban sprawl.
What can I see during takeoff from Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
During takeoff from Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing RNO southbound on 17R/35L, the climb parallels the eastern face of the Sierra Nevada, and Lake Tahoe's deep blue basin comes into view almost immediately off the west side of the aircraft. The left side only shows the flatter Great Basin desert of western Nevada. Notable sights include: Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada crest, Carson Range, Washoe Valley.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the standard west-flow approach into LAX, the aircraft descends from the east across the Los Angeles basin, and the right side offers views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the downtown LA skyline before the final turn toward the coast. The left side mostly faces the flatter South Bay suburbs. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Hollywood Hills, San Fernando Valley.
How long is the flight from Reno to Los Angeles?
The flight from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 391 miles (630 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reno to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada eastern escarpment, Mono Lake, Owens Valley, and the northern Mojave Desert along the route toward the Los Angeles basin