Takeoff views of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains and Great Salt Lake from the right side outweigh the landing advantage on the left. The westbound departure offers more dramatic mountain scenery than the approach into Reno.
Flown SLC to RNO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to Reno is 421 miles (677 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Carson Range (eastern Sierra Nevada foothills) and passes over the high desert plateau between the two basins. Pyramid Lake lies north of the direct route but may be visible from altitude on clear days. The terrain transitions from the Wasatch Basin through open high desert (approximately 5,000-6,000 feet elevation) before descending into the Truckee Meadows basin near Reno.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
RIGHTSLC typically departs westbound (Runways 16L/R or 34L/R depending on wind). Right-side seats face the Oquirrh Mountains and the southern Wasatch Range as you climb out, with the Great Salt Lake visible to the northwest. Left seats see the airport grounds and urban sprawl.
Landing at RNO
LEFTApproaching RNO from the east (typical approach on Runways 16L/R), left-side seats face the Sierra Nevada range and the approach path over Washoe Valley. Right seats see the Truckee Meadows urban area and less dramatic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Reno. Takeoff views of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains and Great Salt Lake from the right side outweigh the landing advantage on the left. The westbound departure offers more dramatic mountain scenery than the approach into Reno.
What can I see during takeoff from Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
During takeoff from Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Right side for the best views. SLC typically departs westbound (Runways 16L/R or 34L/R depending on wind). Right-side seats face the Oquirrh Mountains and the southern Wasatch Range as you climb out, with the Great Salt Lake visible to the northwest. Left seats see the airport grounds and urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Oquirrh Mountains (immediate right, dark ridgeline), Great Salt Lake (northwest, pale water body), Wasatch Range peaks (southeast, snow-capped in winter), Salt Lake City urban grid (below, geometric pattern).
What can I see when landing at Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
When landing at Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching RNO from the east (typical approach on Runways 16L/R), left-side seats face the Sierra Nevada range and the approach path over Washoe Valley. Right seats see the Truckee Meadows urban area and less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada range (left, prominent snow-capped peaks), Washoe Valley (center-left, open valley floor), Truckee Meadows (right, developed area), Mount Rose (left horizon, distinctive peak).
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Reno?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 421 miles (677 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salt Lake City to Reno flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Carson Range (eastern Sierra Nevada foothills) and passes over the high desert plateau between the two basins. Pyramid Lake lies north of the direct route but may be visible from altitude on clear days. The terrain transitions from the Wasatch Basin through open high desert (approximately 5,000-6,000 feet elevation) before descending into the Truckee Meadows basin near Reno.