The Geneva landing approach on the right side delivers Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva simultaneously, which is genuinely one of the great airport approaches in the world. The SFO departure on the left is excellent but the Geneva arrival edges it out. Sitting right on a transatlantic route means you can switch sides for each phase — but if forced to pick one side for the whole flight, right gives you the better arrival.
Flown SFO to GVA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Geneva is 5,822 miles (9,370 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route tracks northeast from SFO over northern California and Nevada, then across southern Canada near the Great Lakes, then over the North Atlantic. You cross Greenland's ice sheet and the southern tip of Iceland may be visible on the horizon. Over Europe the route descends across the UK or northern France before turning southeast toward the Alps. The Greenland ice cap and the Alps on descent are the two most visually dramatic features of the cruise phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO typically departs northwest on runways 28L/28R, then turns north over the Bay. The left side gives you San Francisco city, the Bay Bridge, and the peninsula as you climb out over the water. You get a sweeping view of the entire Bay Area geography as the aircraft banks.
Landing at GVA
RIGHTGeneva Cointrin typically lands on runway 23, approaching from the northeast over Lake Geneva. The right side gives you the lake itself, the Jet d'Eau fountain plume, and the Mont Blanc massif rising to the south on the horizon. This is one of the most dramatic airport approaches in Europe.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Geneva Cointrin (GVA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Geneva. The Geneva landing approach on the right side delivers Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva simultaneously, which is genuinely one of the great airport approaches in the world. The SFO departure on the left is excellent but the Geneva arrival edges it out. Sitting right on a transatlantic route means you can switch sides for each phase — but if forced to pick one side for the whole flight, right gives you the better 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. SFO typically departs northwest on runways 28L/28R, then turns north over the Bay. The left side gives you San Francisco city, the Bay Bridge, and the peninsula as you climb out over the water. You get a sweeping view of the entire Bay Area geography as the aircraft banks. Notable sights include: San Francisco city skyline, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Geneva Cointrin in Geneva?
When landing at Geneva Cointrin (GVA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Geneva Cointrin typically lands on runway 23, approaching from the northeast over Lake Geneva. The right side gives you the lake itself, the Jet d'Eau fountain plume, and the Mont Blanc massif rising to the south on the horizon. This is one of the most dramatic airport approaches in Europe. Notable sights include: Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), Mont Blanc massif, Geneva city center, Jura Mountains.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Geneva?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Geneva Cointrin (GVA) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,822 miles (9,370 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Geneva flight path pass over?
The great circle route tracks northeast from SFO over northern California and Nevada, then across southern Canada near the Great Lakes, then over the North Atlantic. You cross Greenland's ice sheet and the southern tip of Iceland may be visible on the horizon. Over Europe the route descends across the UK or northern France before turning southeast toward the Alps. The Greenland ice cap and the Alps on descent are the two most visually dramatic features of the cruise phase.