San Francisco to Burbank is 326 miles (525 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The right side sustains scenic interest across the flight — brief bay views at takeoff give way to a dramatic Pacific coastline (Big Sur, Santa Barbara Channel) at cruise, and finishes with a striking mountain-flanked approach into Burbank, edging out the left side's single strong moment during takeoff.
Flight Path
Monterey Bay, the Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains, Point Conception, and the Santa Barbara Channel with the Channel Islands visible offshore
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO's eastbound departure over the bay puts San Francisco's skyline and the Golden Gate on the north side before the aircraft banks south toward Burbank. It's a brief but iconic urban view that the south-facing right side doesn't get during this phase.
Landing at BUR
RIGHTOn approach into Burbank, the aircraft swings up from the south over the San Fernando Valley, and the right side faces the San Gabriel Mountains rising sharply along the valley's edge. This gives a dramatic mountain-and-valley view missing from the flatter western outlook on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Burbank. The right side sustains scenic interest across the flight — brief bay views at takeoff give way to a dramatic Pacific coastline (Big Sur, Santa Barbara Channel) at cruise, and finishes with a striking mountain-flanked approach into Burbank, edging out the left side's single strong moment during takeoff.
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 eastbound departure over the bay puts San Francisco's skyline and the Golden Gate on the north side before the aircraft banks south toward Burbank. It's a brief but iconic urban view that the south-facing right side doesn't get during this phase. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Bay Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
When landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Burbank, the aircraft swings up from the south over the San Fernando Valley, and the right side faces the San Gabriel Mountains rising sharply along the valley's edge. This gives a dramatic mountain-and-valley view missing from the flatter western outlook on the left. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Verdugo Mountains, San Fernando Valley, distant downtown Los Angeles skyline.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Burbank?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 326 miles (525 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Burbank flight path pass over?
Monterey Bay, the Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains, Point Conception, and the Santa Barbara Channel with the Channel Islands visible offshore