San Francisco to Sacramento is 86 miles (138 km), a flight of about 40 minutes.
The right side captures the only real topographic variety on this short, mostly flat route — Mt. Diablo and the East Bay hills at departure, and the delta wetlands with the Sacramento skyline on arrival — while the left side stays mostly featureless valley farmland throughout.
Flight Path
Sacramento Valley farmland, Sacramento River tributaries, distant Sierra Nevada foothills faintly visible to the east
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
RIGHTDeparting SFO eastbound over the Bay and then turning northeast toward Sacramento, the right side faces southeast toward the East Bay hills and the distinctive isolated cone of Mt. Diablo, giving a bit of topographic interest missing on the flat northwest side.
Landing at SMF
RIGHTOn approach into Sacramento from the south, the right side offers views of the Sacramento River winding through the delta wetlands and farmland patchwork before the city skyline comes into view ahead, more textured than the flat, uniform valley floor seen from the left.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Sacramento International (SMF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Sacramento. The right side captures the only real topographic variety on this short, mostly flat route — Mt. Diablo and the East Bay hills at departure, and the delta wetlands with the Sacramento skyline on arrival — while the left side stays mostly featureless valley farmland throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SFO eastbound over the Bay and then turning northeast toward Sacramento, the right side faces southeast toward the East Bay hills and the distinctive isolated cone of Mt. Diablo, giving a bit of topographic interest missing on the flat northwest side. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, East Bay hills, Mt. Diablo, Central Valley farmland beginning below.
What can I see when landing at Sacramento International in Sacramento?
When landing at Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Sacramento from the south, the right side offers views of the Sacramento River winding through the delta wetlands and farmland patchwork before the city skyline comes into view ahead, more textured than the flat, uniform valley floor seen from the left. Notable sights include: Sacramento River, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta wetlands, downtown Sacramento skyline, patchwork farmland.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Sacramento?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Sacramento International (SMF) takes about 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 86 miles (138 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Sacramento flight path pass over?
Sacramento Valley farmland, Sacramento River tributaries, distant Sierra Nevada foothills faintly visible to the east