Sacramento to San Francisco is 86 miles (138 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
The right side captures the Delta waterways on departure and the San Francisco Bay, city skyline, and Golden Gate on arrival, giving it consistently more distinctive scenery than the flatter, less varied left side.
Flight Path
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Suisun Bay, and the eastern edge of San Pablo Bay
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SMF
RIGHTClimbing out of Sacramento, the right (west) side offers views over the Sacramento River and into the Delta's maze of sloughs and levees, with the Coast Range visible on the horizon. The left side mostly shows flat valley farmland with only distant Sierra foothills.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn the typical northward approach into SFO's runway 19, the aircraft tracks south down the San Francisco Bay, putting San Pablo Bay, Mt. Diablo, and the San Francisco skyline on the right side of the plane. The left side mainly faces the East Bay hills and suburban sprawl.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sacramento International (SMF) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sacramento to San Francisco. The right side captures the Delta waterways on departure and the San Francisco Bay, city skyline, and Golden Gate on arrival, giving it consistently more distinctive scenery than the flatter, less varied left side.
What can I see during takeoff from Sacramento International in Sacramento?
During takeoff from Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of Sacramento, the right (west) side offers views over the Sacramento River and into the Delta's maze of sloughs and levees, with the Coast Range visible on the horizon. The left side mostly shows flat valley farmland with only distant Sierra foothills. Notable sights include: Sacramento River, Delta waterways, Coast Range foothills.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical northward approach into SFO's runway 19, the aircraft tracks south down the San Francisco Bay, putting San Pablo Bay, Mt. Diablo, and the San Francisco skyline on the right side of the plane. The left side mainly faces the East Bay hills and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: San Pablo Bay, Mount Diablo, San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge.
How long is the flight from Sacramento to San Francisco?
The flight from Sacramento International (SMF) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 86 miles (138 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sacramento to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Suisun Bay, and the eastern edge of San Pablo Bay