Left side wins both ends of the flight. Departure gives you the best of San Francisco Bay and the city, and arrival delivers the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake. The right side offers little of comparable interest at either airport.
Flown SFO to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Austin is 1,502 miles (2,417 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast across the Central Valley of California, then crosses the southern Sierra Nevada or Tehachapi Mountains, before passing over the Mojave Desert and transitioning into the Basin and Range terrain of southern New Mexico and west Texas. The Rio Grande valley near El Paso is sometimes visible. The flight then crosses the Edwards Plateau and Texas Hill Country before descending into Austin. The terrain is largely arid and sparsely populated through Arizona and New Mexico, with the Hill Country's cedar-covered limestone ridges appearing in the final 100 miles.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west over the Bay before turning southeast. A left seat gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as you climb out and bank south. Right side faces the peninsula suburbs and hills with less drama.
Landing at AUS
LEFTAustin Bergstrom's primary arrival runway is 17L/17R, meaning aircraft approach from the north heading south. A left seat on final approach gives you downtown Austin's skyline and the Colorado River (Lady Bird Lake) clearly visible to the east of the approach path. Right side faces open suburban sprawl to the west.
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 Francisco International (SFO) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Austin. Left side wins both ends of the flight. Departure gives you the best of San Francisco Bay and the city, and arrival delivers the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake. The right side offers little of comparable interest at either airport.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west over the Bay before turning southeast. A left seat gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as you climb out and bank south. Right side faces the peninsula suburbs and hills with less drama. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco city skyline, San Mateo Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Austin Bergstrom's primary arrival runway is 17L/17R, meaning aircraft approach from the north heading south. A left seat on final approach gives you downtown Austin's skyline and the Colorado River (Lady Bird Lake) clearly visible to the east of the approach path. Right side faces open suburban sprawl to the west. Notable sights include: Downtown Austin skyline, Lady Bird Lake (Colorado River), Texas State Capitol dome, Colorado River bends south of the city.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Austin?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,502 miles (2,417 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast across the Central Valley of California, then crosses the southern Sierra Nevada or Tehachapi Mountains, before passing over the Mojave Desert and transitioning into the Basin and Range terrain of southern New Mexico and west Texas. The Rio Grande valley near El Paso is sometimes visible. The flight then crosses the Edwards Plateau and Texas Hill Country before descending into Austin. The terrain is largely arid and sparsely populated through Arizona and New Mexico, with the Hill Country's cedar-covered limestone ridges appearing in the final 100 miles.