The takeoff scenery from the left side—San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands—is more visually distinctive and iconic than the landing approach. While the right side offers decent foothill views on descent, the takeoff experience is superior.
Flown SFO to BFL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Bakersfield is 238 miles (383 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
During cruise, you'll pass over the Central Valley with scattered towns and agricultural land. The San Joaquin Valley dominates the middle portion of the flight, appearing as a flat, patchwork landscape of farmland. The Diablo Range and surrounding coastal ranges are visible to the west during the climb-out phase. As you descend toward Bakersfield, the terrain gradually transitions from valley floor to foothills.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge area, and the Marin Headlands as you climb out southeastward. Right side faces inland hills with less distinctive scenery during initial climb.
Landing at BFL
RIGHTRight-side seats provide views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Kern River valley as you descend into Bakersfield from the northwest. Left side faces less dramatic terrain during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Meadows Fld (BFL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Bakersfield. The takeoff scenery from the left side—San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands—is more visually distinctive and iconic than the landing approach. While the right side offers decent foothill views on descent, the takeoff experience is superior.
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. Left-side seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge area, and the Marin Headlands as you climb out southeastward. Right side faces inland hills with less distinctive scenery during initial climb. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, San Bruno Mountain.
What can I see when landing at Meadows Fld in Bakersfield?
When landing at Meadows Fld (BFL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Kern River valley as you descend into Bakersfield from the northwest. Left side faces less dramatic terrain during final approach. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada foothills, Kern River valley, Bakersfield urban area, Tehachapi Mountains (distant).
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Bakersfield?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Meadows Fld (BFL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 238 miles (383 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Bakersfield flight path pass over?
During cruise, you'll pass over the Central Valley with scattered towns and agricultural land. The San Joaquin Valley dominates the middle portion of the flight, appearing as a flat, patchwork landscape of farmland. The Diablo Range and surrounding coastal ranges are visible to the west during the climb-out phase. As you descend toward Bakersfield, the terrain gradually transitions from valley floor to foothills.