The left side offers a stronger full-flight package: a dramatic San Francisco Bay departure followed by views of southern Greenland's icecap and fjords and the Alps during the long cruise, giving more variety and visual drama than the right side's largely open-ocean cruise, even though the right side wins the Rome arrival.
Flown SFO to FCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Rome is 6,250 miles (10,058 km), a flight of about 11 hours 10 minutes.
Hudson Bay and northern Canadian tundra, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and fjords, Iceland, the North Atlantic, and the Alps along the France-Switzerland-Italy border before descending toward Rome
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO on runway heading 118° requires an early turn north toward the polar track, and the left-side windows sweep across San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline during that turn. The right side mostly shows the East Bay hills and suburban sprawl, which is far less dramatic.
Landing at FCO
RIGHTFCO arrivals landing to the north on runway 34 approach from the south, and on the right side of the aircraft Rome's cityscape, the Tiber River, and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica come into view during the final descent. The left side mostly faces open farmland and the Tyrrhenian coastline with no major landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Fiumicino (FCO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Rome. The left side offers a stronger full-flight package: a dramatic San Francisco Bay departure followed by views of southern Greenland's icecap and fjords and the Alps during the long cruise, giving more variety and visual drama than the right side's largely open-ocean cruise, even though the right side wins the Rome arrival.
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 runway heading 118° requires an early turn north toward the polar track, and the left-side windows sweep across San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline during that turn. The right side mostly shows the East Bay hills and suburban sprawl, which is far less dramatic. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Fiumicino in Rome?
When landing at Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. FCO arrivals landing to the north on runway 34 approach from the south, and on the right side of the aircraft Rome's cityscape, the Tiber River, and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica come into view during the final descent. The left side mostly faces open farmland and the Tyrrhenian coastline with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Rome skyline, Tiber River delta, St. Peter's Basilica dome, Tyrrhenian coastline near Fiumicino.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Rome?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Fiumicino (FCO) takes about 11 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,250 miles (10,058 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Rome flight path pass over?
Hudson Bay and northern Canadian tundra, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and fjords, Iceland, the North Atlantic, and the Alps along the France-Switzerland-Italy border before descending toward Rome