The landing approach into Hongqiao on the right side delivers one of the most dramatic urban aerial views in Asia, with the full Pudong skyline and Huangpu River bend on display during a long, low descent. The takeoff left-side view of San Francisco is excellent but briefer. For the full flight experience, right side edges it out.
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Flight Path
San Francisco to Shanghai is 6,155 miles (9,905 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route crosses the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain (visible as a string of volcanic islands on clear days), then over the open Pacific for the majority of the flight. The Japanese archipelago appears during descent preparation, with the coastlines of Honshu and potentially Mount Fuji visible on clear days before crossing the East China Sea toward the Yangtze River Delta.
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 captures San Francisco city, the Bay Bridge, and the downtown skyline as the aircraft climbs and banks. The right side faces the peninsula and suburban sprawl, which is far less dramatic.
Landing at SHA
RIGHTHongqiao typically receives arrivals from the east on runway 18R/36L, approaching from over the Yangtze River estuary and descending over Pudong. The right side faces west toward central Shanghai, giving a clear view of the Huangpu River's distinctive S-curve, the Bund, and the Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. The left side faces east toward open water and industrial port areas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Shanghai. The landing approach into Hongqiao on the right side delivers one of the most dramatic urban aerial views in Asia, with the full Pudong skyline and Huangpu River bend on display during a long, low descent. The takeoff left-side view of San Francisco is excellent but briefer. For the full flight experience, right side edges it out.
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 captures San Francisco city, the Bay Bridge, and the downtown skyline as the aircraft climbs and banks. The right side faces the peninsula and suburban sprawl, which is far less dramatic. Notable sights include: San Francisco downtown skyline, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Hongqiao typically receives arrivals from the east on runway 18R/36L, approaching from over the Yangtze River estuary and descending over Pudong. The right side faces west toward central Shanghai, giving a clear view of the Huangpu River's distinctive S-curve, the Bund, and the Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. The left side faces east toward open water and industrial port areas. Notable sights include: Huangpu River S-curve, Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower), the Bund historic waterfront, Suzhou Creek confluence.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Shanghai?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,155 miles (9,905 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The great circle route crosses the North Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain (visible as a string of volcanic islands on clear days), then over the open Pacific for the majority of the flight. The Japanese archipelago appears during descent preparation, with the coastlines of Honshu and potentially Mount Fuji visible on clear days before crossing the East China Sea toward the Yangtze River Delta.