The left side wins both the departure and arrival sequences — San Francisco's iconic bayside skyline at takeoff and the Wicklow Mountains framing Dublin Bay on landing — giving it more visual variety than the right side's flatter suburban views.
Flown SFO to DUB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Dublin is 5,085 miles (8,183 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
Route crosses the Canadian prairies, Hudson Bay, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, and the Labrador Sea before reaching the Irish coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO on the eastbound runways, aircraft bound for the East Coast/Atlantic typically arc north over the Bay before heading northeast. This puts San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin headlands on the left side, while the right side only shows the flatter South Bay and San Jose sprawl.
Landing at DUB
LEFTDublin arrivals from the Atlantic often continue east past the city before turning to land on the westerly runway, approaching from over the Irish Sea. This positions the Wicklow Mountains and their green foothills on the left, a more dramatic view than the flatter coastal suburbs and Howth peninsula visible on the right.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Dublin (DUB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Dublin. The left side wins both the departure and arrival sequences — San Francisco's iconic bayside skyline at takeoff and the Wicklow Mountains framing Dublin Bay on landing — giving it more visual variety than the right side's flatter suburban views.
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 eastbound runways, aircraft bound for the East Coast/Atlantic typically arc north over the Bay before heading northeast. This puts San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin headlands on the left side, while the right side only shows the flatter South Bay and San Jose sprawl. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Dublin in Dublin?
When landing at Dublin (DUB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dublin arrivals from the Atlantic often continue east past the city before turning to land on the westerly runway, approaching from over the Irish Sea. This positions the Wicklow Mountains and their green foothills on the left, a more dramatic view than the flatter coastal suburbs and Howth peninsula visible on the right. Notable sights include: Wicklow Mountains, Dublin Bay, River Liffey estuary, Dublin city center.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Dublin?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Dublin (DUB) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,085 miles (8,183 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Dublin flight path pass over?
Route crosses the Canadian prairies, Hudson Bay, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, and the Labrador Sea before reaching the Irish coast.