Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Departure gives you San Francisco Bay and the city, and landing gives you the James River and Richmond. During cruise at 35,000 feet over the interior, neither side offers dramatically more, but the left side faces slightly more southward toward the Sierra Nevada and Rockies on the early portion of the flight.
Flown SFO to RIC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Richmond is 2,443 miles (3,932 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly along the 37th parallel eastbound. After departing SFO, the route crosses the Central Valley of California, then climbs over the Sierra Nevada range. It then crosses the Great Basin of Nevada and Utah, the Rocky Mountains over Colorado or southern Utah, the high plains of Kansas and Missouri, and the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia before descending into Richmond. The Ohio River valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia are notable features in the final hour.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO typically departs eastbound or northbound depending on wind. On the common eastbound departure over the Bay, the left side gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge. On northbound departures over the water, left still captures the city and Golden Gate area.
Landing at RIC
LEFTRIC typically lands on runway 16 heading south or runway 34 heading north. On the common southward approach over the Richmond metro area, the left side faces east toward downtown Richmond and the James River. The James River is the most distinctive geographic feature on approach and is best seen from the left.
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 Richmond International (RIC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Richmond. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Departure gives you San Francisco Bay and the city, and landing gives you the James River and Richmond. During cruise at 35,000 feet over the interior, neither side offers dramatically more, but the left side faces slightly more southward toward the Sierra Nevada and Rockies on the early portion of the flight.
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 eastbound or northbound depending on wind. On the common eastbound departure over the Bay, the left side gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge. On northbound departures over the water, left still captures the city and Golden Gate area. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island.
What can I see when landing at Richmond International in Richmond?
When landing at Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Left side for the best views. RIC typically lands on runway 16 heading south or runway 34 heading north. On the common southward approach over the Richmond metro area, the left side faces east toward downtown Richmond and the James River. The James River is the most distinctive geographic feature on approach and is best seen from the left. Notable sights include: James River, downtown Richmond skyline, Richmond metro grid, Chesapeake Bay watershed lowlands.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Richmond?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Richmond International (RIC) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,443 miles (3,932 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Richmond flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly along the 37th parallel eastbound. After departing SFO, the route crosses the Central Valley of California, then climbs over the Sierra Nevada range. It then crosses the Great Basin of Nevada and Utah, the Rocky Mountains over Colorado or southern Utah, the high plains of Kansas and Missouri, and the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia before descending into Richmond. The Ohio River valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia are notable features in the final hour.