The right side delivers the strongest bookend views — the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe at departure, then Phoenix's distinctive desert mountains (Camelback, South Mountain) on arrival — while the left side's main highlight, a distant glimpse of Las Vegas and Lake Mead during cruise, is farther from the flight path and less consistently visible.
Flown RNO to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reno to Phoenix is 601 miles (967 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Mojave Desert basins, scattered dry lake beds, Colorado River corridor near the Nevada-Arizona border, distant view of the Las Vegas valley and Lake Mead to the northeast of the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RNO
RIGHTDeparting RNO southbound, the right side faces west toward the Sierra Nevada crest and the Lake Tahoe basin, giving passengers a dramatic view of snow-capped peaks and the deep blue lake as the aircraft climbs and turns southeast. The left side only shows the flatter Virginia Range and Truckee Meadows sprawl.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn approach into PHX from the north/northwest, the right side offers views of the Phoenix skyline framed by Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains, plus South Mountain rising beyond downtown as the plane lines up for the runway. The left side mostly shows flat desert suburbs with fewer distinct landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reno to Phoenix. The right side delivers the strongest bookend views — the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe at departure, then Phoenix's distinctive desert mountains (Camelback, South Mountain) on arrival — while the left side's main highlight, a distant glimpse of Las Vegas and Lake Mead during cruise, is farther from the flight path and less consistently visible.
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, the right side faces west toward the Sierra Nevada crest and the Lake Tahoe basin, giving passengers a dramatic view of snow-capped peaks and the deep blue lake as the aircraft climbs and turns southeast. The left side only shows the flatter Virginia Range and Truckee Meadows sprawl. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada crest, Lake Tahoe basin, Carson Range, Truckee Meadows valley floor.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into PHX from the north/northwest, the right side offers views of the Phoenix skyline framed by Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains, plus South Mountain rising beyond downtown as the plane lines up for the runway. The left side mostly shows flat desert suburbs with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, McDowell Mountains, South Mountain Park, downtown Phoenix skyline.
How long is the flight from Reno to Phoenix?
The flight from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 601 miles (967 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reno to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert basins, scattered dry lake beds, Colorado River corridor near the Nevada-Arizona border, distant view of the Las Vegas valley and Lake Mead to the northeast of the flight path