The right side offers a more consistent scenic arc across the flight: East Bay hills and Sierra Nevada foothills at departure, then Great Salt Lake basin, the Black Hills, and the Great Lakes region during cruise, while the left side's Montreal approach is strong but brief compared to the sustained terrain variety on the right.
Flown SFO to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Montreal is 2,533 miles (4,076 km), a flight of about 4 hours 55 minutes.
Great Salt Lake basin, Rocky Mountain foothills over Wyoming, Black Hills of South Dakota, and the western Great Lakes region near Lake Superior before descending toward the St. Lawrence Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
RIGHTEastbound departure off SFO's runway 28R sends the aircraft climbing toward the East Bay hills, and the right side faces north over Berkeley, Richmond, and San Pablo Bay before the terrain rises into the Sierra Nevada foothills the flight continues toward. The left side only shows the flatter South Bay and Peninsula suburbs.
Landing at YUL
LEFTApproaching YUL on the southwest-facing 24 runways, the aircraft descends from the northeast, and the left side faces southeast toward downtown Montreal, Mount Royal, and the St. Lawrence River before touchdown at Dorval. The right side shows mostly the flatter West Island suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Montreal. The right side offers a more consistent scenic arc across the flight: East Bay hills and Sierra Nevada foothills at departure, then Great Salt Lake basin, the Black Hills, and the Great Lakes region during cruise, while the left side's Montreal approach is strong but brief compared to the sustained terrain variety on the right.
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. Eastbound departure off SFO's runway 28R sends the aircraft climbing toward the East Bay hills, and the right side faces north over Berkeley, Richmond, and San Pablo Bay before the terrain rises into the Sierra Nevada foothills the flight continues toward. The left side only shows the flatter South Bay and Peninsula suburbs. Notable sights include: Berkeley and Oakland hills, San Pablo Bay, Mount Diablo, distant Sierra Nevada foothills.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching YUL on the southwest-facing 24 runways, the aircraft descends from the northeast, and the left side faces southeast toward downtown Montreal, Mount Royal, and the St. Lawrence River before touchdown at Dorval. The right side shows mostly the flatter West Island suburbs. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, downtown Montreal skyline, Mount Royal, Lake Saint-Louis.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Montreal?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 4 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,533 miles (4,076 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Montreal flight path pass over?
Great Salt Lake basin, Rocky Mountain foothills over Wyoming, Black Hills of South Dakota, and the western Great Lakes region near Lake Superior before descending toward the St. Lawrence Valley