Sacramento to Nashville flight pathSMFBNA

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time3h 40m
Distance1,913
Heading084° → 106°
Best side
Left
★ 3.5 left·★ 2.5 right

The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe departure, and a Nashville skyline arrival, while the right side offers flatter, less distinctive terrain throughout.

Flown SMF to BNA? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Sacramento to Nashville is 1,913 miles (3,078 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.

Great Basin desert of Nevada, Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City, southern Rocky Mountain foothills, and the Great Plains of Kansas and Missouri

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from SMF

LEFT

Climbing eastbound out of Sacramento, the left side offers a good view of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Lake Tahoe basin as the aircraft gains altitude over the range. The right side mostly shows the flatter Sacramento Valley and Central Valley farmland receding behind.

Sierra Nevada foothillsLake Tahoe basinAmerican River canyonSacramento Valley farmland
SMF Sacramento InternationalHub for Southwest Airlines
Aerial window seat view during landing at Nashville (left side) — Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River bends, Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee farmland

Landing at BNA

LEFT

On approach into Nashville from the north, the left side gives passengers a view of downtown Nashville's skyline and the curving Cumberland River as the plane lines up for the runway. The right side mostly faces open farmland east of the city with fewer identifiable features.

Downtown Nashville skylineCumberland River bendsPercy Priest LakeTennessee farmland
BNA Nashville InternationalHub for Southwest Airlines

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sacramento International (SMF) to Nashville International (BNA)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sacramento to Nashville. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe departure, and a Nashville skyline arrival, while the right side offers flatter, less distinctive terrain throughout.

What can I see during takeoff from Sacramento International in Sacramento?

During takeoff from Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing eastbound out of Sacramento, the left side offers a good view of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Lake Tahoe basin as the aircraft gains altitude over the range. The right side mostly shows the flatter Sacramento Valley and Central Valley farmland receding behind. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada foothills, Lake Tahoe basin, American River canyon, Sacramento Valley farmland.

What can I see when landing at Nashville International in Nashville?

When landing at Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Nashville from the north, the left side gives passengers a view of downtown Nashville's skyline and the curving Cumberland River as the plane lines up for the runway. The right side mostly faces open farmland east of the city with fewer identifiable features. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River bends, Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee farmland.

How long is the flight from Sacramento to Nashville?

The flight from Sacramento International (SMF) to Nashville International (BNA) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,913 miles (3,078 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Sacramento to Nashville flight path pass over?

Great Basin desert of Nevada, Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City, southern Rocky Mountain foothills, and the Great Plains of Kansas and Missouri