Left seats capture the most dramatic geography on both takeoff and landing. The route follows the Inside Passage northward, and left-side views encompass the open Gulf of Alaska on departure, then transition to the Chilkat Range and Stephens Passage on arrival—the defining features of this short coastal flight.
Flown SIT to JNU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sitka to Juneau is 95 miles (153 km), a flight of about 35 minutes.
The flight tracks north-northwest over open water and scattered islands of the Alexander Archipelago. Chichagof Island remains visible to the west (left) for much of the flight. Stephens Passage opens ahead as you approach Juneau. The Chilkat Range becomes increasingly prominent on the right (east) as you descend into the Juneau area. No major cities or landmarks are visible at midpoint—this is a remote, water-and-forest corridor typical of Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SIT
RIGHTSitka typically departs runway 33 (northwest heading). Right-side seats face toward the Gulf of Alaska and the outer islands of the Alexander Archipelago as you climb, offering immediate views of open water and distant peaks. Left seats see the town and immediate terrain.
Landing at JNU
LEFTJuneau typically lands runway 08 (east heading) or 26 (west heading). Assuming the more common approach from the south via runway 08, left-side seats descend with views of Stephens Passage, the Chilkat Range, and Juneau's position at the mouth of Gastineau Channel. Right seats see only inland terrain and mountains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT) to Juneau International (JNU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sitka to Juneau. Left seats capture the most dramatic geography on both takeoff and landing. The route follows the Inside Passage northward, and left-side views encompass the open Gulf of Alaska on departure, then transition to the Chilkat Range and Stephens Passage on arrival—the defining features of this short coastal flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez in Sitka?
During takeoff from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Sitka typically departs runway 33 (northwest heading). Right-side seats face toward the Gulf of Alaska and the outer islands of the Alexander Archipelago as you climb, offering immediate views of open water and distant peaks. Left seats see the town and immediate terrain. Notable sights include: Baranof Island (beneath and receding), Gulf of Alaska (opening to the right), Chichagof Island (distant right horizon), Kruzof Island with Mount Edgecumbe (far right, weather permitting).
What can I see when landing at Juneau International in Juneau?
When landing at Juneau International (JNU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Juneau typically lands runway 08 (east heading) or 26 (west heading). Assuming the more common approach from the south via runway 08, left-side seats descend with views of Stephens Passage, the Chilkat Range, and Juneau's position at the mouth of Gastineau Channel. Right seats see only inland terrain and mountains. Notable sights include: Stephens Passage (water body below during descent), Chilkat Range (eastern horizon, snow-capped peaks), Juneau's downtown and cruise ship docks (final approach), Mendenhall Glacier (visible on clear days, inland to the east).
How long is the flight from Sitka to Juneau?
The flight from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT) to Juneau International (JNU) takes about 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 95 miles (153 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sitka to Juneau flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north-northwest over open water and scattered islands of the Alexander Archipelago. Chichagof Island remains visible to the west (left) for much of the flight. Stephens Passage opens ahead as you approach Juneau. The Chilkat Range becomes increasingly prominent on the right (east) as you descend into the Juneau area. No major cities or landmarks are visible at midpoint—this is a remote, water-and-forest corridor typical of Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage.