The left side covers the far more dramatic portion of the journey: the San Francisco Bay departure, the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia coastline, and later the wild, sparsely populated terrain of Hudson Bay, Baffin Island, and Greenland's ice sheet during cruise, while the right side faces mostly featureless prairie and open ocean for most of the flight.
Flown SFO to CPH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Copenhagen is 5,472 miles (8,807 km), a flight of about 9 hours 45 minutes.
Hudson Bay, Baffin Island, and the southern Greenland ice sheet along the great-circle route between North America and Scandinavia
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO eastbound over the Bay, the aircraft banks north to begin its great-circle track toward the pole, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands before the coastline recedes northward.
Landing at CPH
RIGHTOn final approach to CPH's runway 22, the flight path crosses the Øresund Strait from the northeast, and right-side passengers get a low, close view of Copenhagen's harbor, city rooftops, and Amager Island just before touchdown.
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 Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Copenhagen. The left side covers the far more dramatic portion of the journey: the San Francisco Bay departure, the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia coastline, and later the wild, sparsely populated terrain of Hudson Bay, Baffin Island, and Greenland's ice sheet during cruise, while the right side faces mostly featureless prairie and open ocean for most of the flight.
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 eastbound over the Bay, the aircraft banks north to begin its great-circle track toward the pole, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands before the coastline recedes northward. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Point Reyes coastline.
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach to CPH's runway 22, the flight path crosses the Øresund Strait from the northeast, and right-side passengers get a low, close view of Copenhagen's harbor, city rooftops, and Amager Island just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Copenhagen city skyline, Copenhagen harbor, Amager Island, distant Øresund Bridge.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Copenhagen?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Kastrup (CPH) takes about 9 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,472 miles (8,807 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
Hudson Bay, Baffin Island, and the southern Greenland ice sheet along the great-circle route between North America and Scandinavia