The left side delivers a stronger visual arc: San Francisco's skyline and Mount Diablo at takeoff, distant Sierra Nevada peaks during cruise, and Phoenix's iconic Camelback and McDowell mountains on landing, compared to the flatter farmland and desert views dominating the right side.
Flown SFO to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Phoenix is 650 miles (1,046 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Central Valley farmland, distant snow-capped Sierra Nevada to the north, Mojave Desert basins, and the lower Colorado River valley near Lake Havasu before descending into the Sonoran Desert.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO on the eastbound runways, the initial turn puts downtown San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and the East Bay hills on the left, with Mount Diablo rising on the horizon. The right side mostly shows Peninsula suburbs and distant coastal haze.
Landing at PHX
LEFTOn approach into Sky Harbor from the west, the left side faces north toward Phoenix's signature desert mountains—Camelback and the McDowell range—while the right side looks south toward the flatter, less distinctive Estrella foothills.
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 Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Phoenix. The left side delivers a stronger visual arc: San Francisco's skyline and Mount Diablo at takeoff, distant Sierra Nevada peaks during cruise, and Phoenix's iconic Camelback and McDowell mountains on landing, compared to the flatter farmland and desert views dominating the right side.
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 the eastbound runways, the initial turn puts downtown San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and the East Bay hills on the left, with Mount Diablo rising on the horizon. The right side mostly shows Peninsula suburbs and distant coastal haze. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Oakland/Berkeley hills, Mount Diablo.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Sky Harbor from the west, the left side faces north toward Phoenix's signature desert mountains—Camelback and the McDowell range—while the right side looks south toward the flatter, less distinctive Estrella foothills. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, McDowell Mountains, Papago Park buttes, Phoenix valley sprawl.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Phoenix?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 650 miles (1,046 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Central Valley farmland, distant snow-capped Sierra Nevada to the north, Mojave Desert basins, and the lower Colorado River valley near Lake Havasu before descending into the Sonoran Desert.