The left side accumulates more sustained scenic value across the flight: San Francisco Bay and skyline at departure, then the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and the Great Salt Lake during cruise, outweighing the right side's single dramatic but brief Manhattan approach.
Flown SFO to EWR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Newark is 2,559 miles (4,118 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
Sierra Nevada mountains and Lake Tahoe just east of California, the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Range in Utah, the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, and the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania before descending toward the New York metro area
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO's eastern runways, the climb-out track crosses San Francisco Bay with the city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge all visible to the north (left) side, while the right side only shows Peninsula suburbs like San Mateo and Redwood City.
Landing at EWR
RIGHTOn the typical arrival to EWR's runway 4 from the south, the aircraft tracks north over Staten Island and New York Harbor before turning final, putting the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty on the right side of the cabin.
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 Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Newark. The left side accumulates more sustained scenic value across the flight: San Francisco Bay and skyline at departure, then the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and the Great Salt Lake during cruise, outweighing the right side's single dramatic but brief Manhattan approach.
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's eastern runways, the climb-out track crosses San Francisco Bay with the city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge all visible to the north (left) side, while the right side only shows Peninsula suburbs like San Mateo and Redwood City. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical arrival to EWR's runway 4 from the south, the aircraft tracks north over Staten Island and New York Harbor before turning final, putting the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Newark?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,559 miles (4,118 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Newark flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada mountains and Lake Tahoe just east of California, the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Range in Utah, the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, and the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania before descending toward the New York metro area