Once airborne on the northeast course toward Boise, the flight path runs just west of the Sierra Nevada crest, Lake Tahoe, and Reno, then continues over Nevada's basin-and-range desert and the Owyhee foothills before landing near the Boise Front — nearly all of this terrain falls on the right side of the aircraft, giving it a clear edge over the flatter, less varied left-side scenery during cruise and landing.
Flown SFO to BOI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Boise is 522 miles (840 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Sierra Nevada crest near Lake Tahoe and Reno, followed by the basin-and-range desert terrain of northern Nevada
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO departures on runway 10 climb east over the Bay before banking left onto the northeast course toward Boise, and that turn swings the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, and Golden Gate into view on the left side. The right side during this phase only shows the flatter South Bay suburbs.
Landing at BOI
RIGHTBOI typically lands on runway 28, approaching from the southeast on a heading of 295 degrees, which puts the rising Boise Front foothills and the Bogus Basin high country off the right side of the aircraft. The left side instead faces the flat Snake River plain and the city grid, which is less dramatic.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Boise Air Terminal (BOI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Boise. Once airborne on the northeast course toward Boise, the flight path runs just west of the Sierra Nevada crest, Lake Tahoe, and Reno, then continues over Nevada's basin-and-range desert and the Owyhee foothills before landing near the Boise Front — nearly all of this terrain falls on the right side of the aircraft, giving it a clear edge over the flatter, less varied left-side scenery during cruise and landing.
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 departures on runway 10 climb east over the Bay before banking left onto the northeast course toward Boise, and that turn swings the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, and Golden Gate into view on the left side. The right side during this phase only shows the flatter South Bay suburbs. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay/Alcatraz.
What can I see when landing at Boise Air Terminal in Boise?
When landing at Boise Air Terminal (BOI), sit on the Right side for the best views. BOI typically lands on runway 28, approaching from the southeast on a heading of 295 degrees, which puts the rising Boise Front foothills and the Bogus Basin high country off the right side of the aircraft. The left side instead faces the flat Snake River plain and the city grid, which is less dramatic. Notable sights include: Boise Front foothills, Bogus Basin mountains, Boise River valley, Snake River Plain.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Boise?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Boise Air Terminal (BOI) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 522 miles (840 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Boise flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada crest near Lake Tahoe and Reno, followed by the basin-and-range desert terrain of northern Nevada