San Diego to Reno is 489 miles (787 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
The cruise phase dominates the flight time, and the route tracks up the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada, offering left-side passengers a long, uninterrupted view of the range's escarpment, Owens Valley, and Mono Lake, continuing into a scenic Sierra-framed approach at Reno. The right side offers only desert basin scenery with far less relief and variety.
Flight Path
Mojave Desert, Owens Valley, Sierra Nevada eastern escarpment, Mono Lake
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTDeparting Runway 27 at SAN, the aircraft climbs out over San Diego Bay before banking north toward Reno, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of downtown San Diego's skyline, Coronado, and Point Loma as the turn unfolds. Left-side passengers mostly see open ocean during this brief window.
Landing at RNO
LEFTOn approach to RNO from the south, the descent path runs along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, putting the range's dramatic granite peaks and the edge of the Tahoe basin on the left side of the aircraft. The right side shows only the flatter Truckee Meadows and desert hills east of Reno.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Reno. The cruise phase dominates the flight time, and the route tracks up the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada, offering left-side passengers a long, uninterrupted view of the range's escarpment, Owens Valley, and Mono Lake, continuing into a scenic Sierra-framed approach at Reno. The right side offers only desert basin scenery with far less relief and variety.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Runway 27 at SAN, the aircraft climbs out over San Diego Bay before banking north toward Reno, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of downtown San Diego's skyline, Coronado, and Point Loma as the turn unfolds. Left-side passengers mostly see open ocean during this brief window. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
When landing at Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to RNO from the south, the descent path runs along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, putting the range's dramatic granite peaks and the edge of the Tahoe basin on the left side of the aircraft. The right side shows only the flatter Truckee Meadows and desert hills east of Reno. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada crest, Mount Rose, Truckee River valley, Peavine Peak.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Reno?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 489 miles (787 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Reno flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, Owens Valley, Sierra Nevada eastern escarpment, Mono Lake