San Francisco to Copenhagen is 5,463 miles (8,791 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The takeoff experience from SFO is visually superior to the landing approach into Roskilde. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and Marin Headlands provide iconic, dramatic scenery during climb-out. The landing approach over Denmark, while geographically interesting, features flatter terrain and less visually distinctive landmarks.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing over or near Greenland's southern tip (Davis Strait region), the Norwegian Sea, and the Faroe Islands. Over the Atlantic, passengers may see the curvature of Earth and aurora borealis if flying at night during winter months. As the aircraft approaches Europe, the Scottish Highlands and North Sea become visible before reaching Scandinavian airspace. The approach to Denmark offers views of the Baltic Sea region and the Kattegat strait.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs northwestward on departure. Right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at RKE
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Danish coastline, Øresund Strait, and the approach to Copenhagen as the aircraft descends toward Roskilde. The strait and Swedish coast on the opposite shore create distinctive geography. Left side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Roskilde (RKE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Copenhagen. The takeoff experience from SFO is visually superior to the landing approach into Roskilde. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and Marin Headlands provide iconic, dramatic scenery during climb-out. The landing approach over Denmark, while geographically interesting, features flatter terrain and less visually distinctive landmarks.
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. Left side offers immediate views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs northwestward on departure. Right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais.
What can I see when landing at Roskilde in Copenhagen?
When landing at Roskilde (RKE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Danish coastline, Øresund Strait, and the approach to Copenhagen as the aircraft descends toward Roskilde. The strait and Swedish coast on the opposite shore create distinctive geography. Left side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait, Copenhagen metropolitan area, Danish coastline, Oresund Bridge.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Copenhagen?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Roskilde (RKE) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,463 miles (8,791 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing over or near Greenland's southern tip (Davis Strait region), the Norwegian Sea, and the Faroe Islands. Over the Atlantic, passengers may see the curvature of Earth and aurora borealis if flying at night during winter months. As the aircraft approaches Europe, the Scottish Highlands and North Sea become visible before reaching Scandinavian airspace. The approach to Denmark offers views of the Baltic Sea region and the Kattegat strait.