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. Left side wins both departure and arrival with the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate on takeoff, and the full Manhattan skyline approach on landing. The right side has Sierra Nevada views mid-flight but the urban bookends on the left are more consistently spectacular.
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 typically departs westward over the Bay on runways 28L/28R, then turns north or northeast. Left side gives you San Francisco city, the Bay Bridge, and the downtown skyline as you climb out over the water. The Golden Gate Bridge is also visible to the northwest on the left side during the turn. Notable sights include: San Francisco downtown 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 Left side for the best views. EWR approaches typically come in from the west or southwest on runway 22L/22R or from the north on runway 29. On a westerly approach, the left side faces south toward Manhattan, giving a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty. This is one of the most iconic urban approaches in aviation. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, Verrazano-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 Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes westbound, 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes eastbound.
What does the San Francisco to Newark flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Sierra Nevada range over the Lake Tahoe region, then the Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah, the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City, the Rocky Mountains over Colorado or Wyoming depending on routing, the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, and the Great Lakes region before descending into the New York metro area. The Mississippi River is visible crossing Iowa or Illinois. At cruising altitude the Rockies appear as a broad corrugated ridge system rather than individual peaks.