The great-circle route north from California crosses the Canadian Rockies, Hudson Bay, and the Greenland ice sheet, all visible on the left side during cruise — a much more dramatic sequence than the comparatively featureless view to the right over the northern Atlantic and Canadian plains.
Flown SFO to BCN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Barcelona is 5,956 miles (9,585 km), a flight of about 10 hours 35 minutes.
Canadian Rockies foothills, Hudson Bay, Labrador Sea, southern tip of the Greenland ice sheet
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO on the eastern runways, the aircraft climbs out over the bay and typically banks north toward the polar route, putting San Francisco's skyline and the Golden Gate on the left side. The right side mostly shows the flatter East Bay suburbs.
Landing at BCN
RIGHTBarcelona arrivals from the northeast typically land on the runway facing southwest, descending along the Catalan coast. This puts the Mediterranean shoreline, Barcelona's dense urban grid, and Montjuic hill on the right side of the aircraft.
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 Barcelona (BCN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Barcelona. The great-circle route north from California crosses the Canadian Rockies, Hudson Bay, and the Greenland ice sheet, all visible on the left side during cruise — a much more dramatic sequence than the comparatively featureless view to the right over the northern Atlantic and Canadian plains.
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. Departing SFO on the eastern runways, the aircraft climbs out over the bay and typically banks north toward the polar route, putting San Francisco's skyline and the Golden Gate on the left side. The right side mostly shows the flatter East Bay suburbs. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay.
What can I see when landing at Barcelona in Barcelona?
When landing at Barcelona (BCN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Barcelona arrivals from the northeast typically land on the runway facing southwest, descending along the Catalan coast. This puts the Mediterranean shoreline, Barcelona's dense urban grid, and Montjuic hill on the right side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Mediterranean coastline, Barcelona city grid, Montjuic hill, Port of Barcelona.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Barcelona?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Barcelona (BCN) takes about 10 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,956 miles (9,585 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Barcelona flight path pass over?
Canadian Rockies foothills, Hudson Bay, Labrador Sea, southern tip of the Greenland ice sheet