While the SFO departure favors the left side with bay and city views, the right side offers the more dramatic and sustained payoff — a clear view of the Alps on final approach into Munich, plus better positioning for Greenland's ice sheet during the polar cruise segment.
Flown SFO to MUC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Munich is 5,864 miles (9,437 km), a flight of about 9 hours 55 minutes.
The route crosses the Canadian Rockies near British Columbia, then continues over Hudson Bay, the ice-covered highlands of southern Greenland, and the Norwegian Sea before descending over the North Sea coast into continental Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO on runway 28R/10L heading east, the initial climb and left turn toward the polar routing puts San Francisco's skyline, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter South Bay and San Jose suburbs.
Landing at MUC
RIGHTMUC arrivals from the west typically land on 08L/08R, descending eastward over Bavaria. On the final approach, the snow-capped Bavarian Alps are visible off to the south, which sits on the right side of the aircraft as it descends toward the airport.
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 Munich (MUC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Munich. While the SFO departure favors the left side with bay and city views, the right side offers the more dramatic and sustained payoff — a clear view of the Alps on final approach into Munich, plus better positioning for Greenland's ice sheet during the polar cruise segment.
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 28R/10L heading east, the initial climb and left turn toward the polar routing puts San Francisco's skyline, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter South Bay and San Jose suburbs. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Munich in Munich?
When landing at Munich (MUC), sit on the Right side for the best views. MUC arrivals from the west typically land on 08L/08R, descending eastward over Bavaria. On the final approach, the snow-capped Bavarian Alps are visible off to the south, which sits on the right side of the aircraft as it descends toward the airport. Notable sights include: Bavarian Alps, Zugspitze massif, Alpine foothills, Isar river valley.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Munich?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Munich (MUC) takes about 9 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,864 miles (9,437 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Munich flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Canadian Rockies near British Columbia, then continues over Hudson Bay, the ice-covered highlands of southern Greenland, and the Norwegian Sea before descending over the North Sea coast into continental Europe.