While landing favors the left, the takeoff scenery from the right side is more dramatic and visually rewarding. The San Francisco Bay area and Pacific coastline during departure offer more varied and striking geography than the approach to Dublin, which, while interesting, involves more subtle terrain and urban features.
Flown SJC to DUB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Jose to Dublin is 5,086 miles (8,185 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the continental United States (Rocky Mountains visible on clear days), then the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 6-7 hours with no major landmarks, before approaching the Irish coast near County Wicklow and the Irish Sea. The North Atlantic crossing offers occasional views of Greenland's southern tip and Iceland if the aircraft tracks far enough north, though most SJC-DUB flights follow a more direct great-circle route that passes south of these features. The approach to Ireland typically reveals the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish coastline 30-40 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJC
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay area and coastal geography during the initial climb-out. The aircraft typically departs westbound or northwestbound from SJC, giving right-side passengers clear sightlines to the bay, peninsula, and Pacific coastline.
Landing at DUB
LEFTLeft-side seats provide superior views during the approach to Dublin. Aircraft typically descend from the east over the Irish Sea and approach from the east or northeast, giving left-side passengers views of the Irish coastline, Dublin Bay, and the city itself during final approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) to Dublin (DUB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose to Dublin. While landing favors the left, the takeoff scenery from the right side is more dramatic and visually rewarding. The San Francisco Bay area and Pacific coastline during departure offer more varied and striking geography than the approach to Dublin, which, while interesting, involves more subtle terrain and urban features.
What can I see during takeoff from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International in San Jose?
During takeoff from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay area and coastal geography during the initial climb-out. The aircraft typically departs westbound or northwestbound from SJC, giving right-side passengers clear sightlines to the bay, peninsula, and Pacific coastline. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pacific Ocean coastline, San Francisco Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Dublin in Dublin?
When landing at Dublin (DUB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide superior views during the approach to Dublin. Aircraft typically descend from the east over the Irish Sea and approach from the east or northeast, giving left-side passengers views of the Irish coastline, Dublin Bay, and the city itself during final approach. Notable sights include: Dublin Bay, Irish coastline, Wicklow Mountains, River Liffey and Dublin city center.
How long is the flight from San Jose to Dublin?
The flight from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) to Dublin (DUB) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,086 miles (8,185 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Jose to Dublin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the continental United States (Rocky Mountains visible on clear days), then the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 6-7 hours with no major landmarks, before approaching the Irish coast near County Wicklow and the Irish Sea. The North Atlantic crossing offers occasional views of Greenland's southern tip and Iceland if the aircraft tracks far enough north, though most SJC-DUB flights follow a more direct great-circle route that passes south of these features. The approach to Ireland typically reveals the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish coastline 30-40 minutes before landing.