Both takeoff and landing scenery favor the left side: San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate on departure, and the Taipei Basin with its mountain backdrop on arrival, while the right side offers comparatively plain views at both ends of this long transpacific flight.
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Flight Path
San Francisco to Taipei is 6,457 miles (10,391 km), a flight of about 13 hours 50 minutes.
The route runs largely over the open North Pacific, curving north of the direct line before descending southward past the Ryukyu Island chain (Okinawa area) and the East China Sea on the approach to Taiwan; no other land is typically visible during the many hours of open-ocean cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO's runway 10 complex, the aircraft climbs east over the Bay before banking north toward its oceanic routing, and during that turn the left side faces back across San Francisco Bay toward the city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate opening to the Pacific. The right side mostly shows the East Bay hills and the hazier inland valleys, which are far less distinctive.
Landing at TPE
LEFTOn the runway 23 approach into Taoyuan, arrivals typically curve down from the northeast over the Taipei area before turning southwest for final approach, putting the Taipei Basin on the left side. Passengers there get a good look at the city skyline, including Taipei 101, ringed by the green volcanic peaks of Yangmingshan, while the right side mostly faces the flatter, less remarkable coastal plain toward the Taiwan Strait.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Taipei. Both takeoff and landing scenery favor the left side: San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate on departure, and the Taipei Basin with its mountain backdrop on arrival, while the right side offers comparatively plain views at both ends of this long transpacific 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. Departing SFO's runway 10 complex, the aircraft climbs east over the Bay before banking north toward its oceanic routing, and during that turn the left side faces back across San Francisco Bay toward the city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate opening to the Pacific. The right side mostly shows the East Bay hills and the hazier inland valleys, which are far less distinctive. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, East Bay hills (distant, right side).
What can I see when landing at Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the runway 23 approach into Taoyuan, arrivals typically curve down from the northeast over the Taipei area before turning southwest for final approach, putting the Taipei Basin on the left side. Passengers there get a good look at the city skyline, including Taipei 101, ringed by the green volcanic peaks of Yangmingshan, while the right side mostly faces the flatter, less remarkable coastal plain toward the Taiwan Strait. Notable sights include: Taipei Basin, Taipei 101 skyline, Yangmingshan volcanic peaks, Taiwan Strait coastline (right side, distant).
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Taipei?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) takes about 13 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,457 miles (10,391 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Taipei flight path pass over?
The route runs largely over the open North Pacific, curving north of the direct line before descending southward past the Ryukyu Island chain (Okinawa area) and the East China Sea on the approach to Taiwan; no other land is typically visible during the many hours of open-ocean cruise.