San Francisco to Taipei is 6,443 miles (10,369 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
While the San Francisco takeoff favors the left, the right side gains more cumulative scenic value from a possible glimpse of Japan's southern islands during the cruise's southward leg and the dramatic Yangmingshan mountain approach into Taipei, giving it a slightly higher overall score.
Flight Path
The great-circle route passes near the Aleutian Islands and Kamchatka Peninsula before curving south along the Japanese archipelago, potentially offering distant views of Kyushu or the Ryukyu Islands before descending over the East China Sea toward Taiwan.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting on runway 10 eastbound over the Bay, the aircraft banks north to head out toward the Pacific, giving passengers on the left a sweeping view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and the Marin Headlands before the coastline falls away.
Landing at TSA
RIGHTOn the northeast-monsoon approach into Taipei Songshan (runway 28), the aircraft descends from the east, putting the volcanic peaks and forested ridges of Yangmingshan National Park on the right, along with glimpses of the Keelung coastline before the final turn over the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Taipei. While the San Francisco takeoff favors the left, the right side gains more cumulative scenic value from a possible glimpse of Japan's southern islands during the cruise's southward leg and the dramatic Yangmingshan mountain approach into Taipei, giving it a slightly higher overall score.
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 on runway 10 eastbound over the Bay, the aircraft banks north to head out toward the Pacific, giving passengers on the left a sweeping view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and the Marin Headlands before the coastline falls away. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the northeast-monsoon approach into Taipei Songshan (runway 28), the aircraft descends from the east, putting the volcanic peaks and forested ridges of Yangmingshan National Park on the right, along with glimpses of the Keelung coastline before the final turn over the city. Notable sights include: Yangmingshan National Park, Keelung River, Taipei basin ridgelines, Keelung coastline.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Taipei?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,443 miles (10,369 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Taipei flight path pass over?
The great-circle route passes near the Aleutian Islands and Kamchatka Peninsula before curving south along the Japanese archipelago, potentially offering distant views of Kyushu or the Ryukyu Islands before descending over the East China Sea toward Taiwan.