San Francisco to Vienna is 5,998 miles (9,653 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a dramatic San Francisco Bay departure and a Vienna Woods/Danube approach — while the right side offers flatter, less distinctive terrain during both takeoff and landing.
Flight Path
Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Canadian prairies, Hudson Bay region, southern Greenland ice sheet, Iceland, North Atlantic, British Isles, Alps foothills approaching Austria
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO to the west over the bay before turning north and east, the left side offers a clear view back over San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs. The right side mostly shows the flatter San Jose/Peninsula suburbs and South Bay salt flats.
Landing at VIE
LEFTOn approach into Vienna from the south toward runway 34, the left side faces west, giving passengers a view of the forested ridges of the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) and the last foothills of the Alps as the plane descends. The right side mainly overlooks flat farmland east of the city.
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 Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Vienna. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a dramatic San Francisco Bay departure and a Vienna Woods/Danube approach — while the right side offers flatter, less distinctive terrain during both takeoff and landing.
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 to the west over the bay before turning north and east, the left side offers a clear view back over San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs. The right side mostly shows the flatter San Jose/Peninsula suburbs and South Bay salt flats. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Vienna from the south toward runway 34, the left side faces west, giving passengers a view of the forested ridges of the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) and the last foothills of the Alps as the plane descends. The right side mainly overlooks flat farmland east of the city. Notable sights include: Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), Danube River, Vienna city skyline, Alpine foothills.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Vienna?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,998 miles (9,653 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Vienna flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Canadian prairies, Hudson Bay region, southern Greenland ice sheet, Iceland, North Atlantic, British Isles, Alps foothills approaching Austria