Seattle to Sitka is 860 miles (1,384 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side dominates the majority of this northbound flight, offering continuous views of the Inside Passage coastline, the BC and Southeast Alaska fjords, and the dramatic Mount Edgecumbe arrival. The left side scenery is more sustained and spectacular over the full route.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest over the Strait of Juan de Fuca, then up the BC coast over the Inside Passage — a maze of fjords, glacially carved channels, and forested islands. Notable features include the Coast Mountains of British Columbia visible to the east, the Queen Charlotte Sound crossing, Hecate Strait, and the northern BC coastline transitioning into Southeast Alaska's Alexander Archipelago with its dense network of islands and inlets approaching Sitka.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTSEA typically departs north on runways 16R/16C or south on 34L/34R. Northbound departures on 34L/34R give the right side views of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Peninsula across Puget Sound. Southbound departures on 16R/16C banking northwest also favor the right side for the Sound and city views.
Landing at SIT
LEFTSitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport sits on Japonski Island and approaches typically come in from the east or southeast over Sitka Sound. The left side captures Sitka Sound, the volcanic cone of Mount Edgecumbe on Kruzof Island, and the town of Sitka itself on Baranof Island.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Sitka. While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side dominates the majority of this northbound flight, offering continuous views of the Inside Passage coastline, the BC and Southeast Alaska fjords, and the dramatic Mount Edgecumbe arrival. The left side scenery is more sustained and spectacular over the full route.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. SEA typically departs north on runways 16R/16C or south on 34L/34R. Northbound departures on 34L/34R give the right side views of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Peninsula across Puget Sound. Southbound departures on 16R/16C banking northwest also favor the right side for the Sound and city views. Notable sights include: Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains to the west, Lake Washington to the east.
What can I see when landing at Sitka Rocky Gutierrez in Sitka?
When landing at Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport sits on Japonski Island and approaches typically come in from the east or southeast over Sitka Sound. The left side captures Sitka Sound, the volcanic cone of Mount Edgecumbe on Kruzof Island, and the town of Sitka itself on Baranof Island. Notable sights include: Mount Edgecumbe volcano on Kruzof Island, Sitka Sound, Baranof Island coastline, Sitka town and harbor.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Sitka?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 860 miles (1,384 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Sitka flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Strait of Juan de Fuca, then up the BC coast over the Inside Passage — a maze of fjords, glacially carved channels, and forested islands. Notable features include the Coast Mountains of British Columbia visible to the east, the Queen Charlotte Sound crossing, Hecate Strait, and the northern BC coastline transitioning into Southeast Alaska's Alexander Archipelago with its dense network of islands and inlets approaching Sitka.