While takeoff offers Mediterranean and Dead Sea views, the landing approach into SFO provides more dramatic and iconic scenery: the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Sierra Nevada create a more memorable final hour of flight. The approach corridor typically offers sustained views of these landmarks.
Flown TLV to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tel Aviv to San Francisco is 7,407 miles (11,921 km), a flight of about 14 hours.
Over the Atlantic: the Mid-Atlantic Ridge features (underwater, not visible), Greenland's glaciated terrain and fjords (if routed north), Iceland's volcanic landscape and glaciers (if northern routing), the Canadian Arctic Archipelago's ice and tundra, the Rocky Mountains (visible during approach to North America), the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada (visible during descent into California)
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TLV
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Judean Hills as the aircraft climbs out westward over the sea. The Dead Sea and Jordan Rift Valley are also visible to the east on the right side during initial climb.
Landing at SFO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Sierra Nevada mountains during descent into SFO. The Bay's distinctive geography and urban landmarks are most visible from the left approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ben Gurion (TLV) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tel Aviv to San Francisco. While takeoff offers Mediterranean and Dead Sea views, the landing approach into SFO provides more dramatic and iconic scenery: the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Sierra Nevada create a more memorable final hour of flight. The approach corridor typically offers sustained views of these landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
During takeoff from Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Judean Hills as the aircraft climbs out westward over the sea. The Dead Sea and Jordan Rift Valley are also visible to the east on the right side during initial climb. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea (immediate coastline), Judean Hills (inland to the east), Dead Sea (visible as a distinctive blue-grey body of water in the rift valley), Tel Aviv urban sprawl (below during initial climb).
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Sierra Nevada mountains during descent into SFO. The Bay's distinctive geography and urban landmarks are most visible from the left approach corridor. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (large enclosed body of water with islands), Golden Gate Bridge (iconic red span connecting Marin Headlands to San Francisco peninsula), Sierra Nevada mountains (distant eastern horizon), San Francisco Peninsula urban area.
How long is the flight from Tel Aviv to San Francisco?
The flight from Ben Gurion (TLV) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 14 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 7,407 miles (11,921 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tel Aviv to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Over the Atlantic: the Mid-Atlantic Ridge features (underwater, not visible), Greenland's glaciated terrain and fjords (if routed north), Iceland's volcanic landscape and glaciers (if northern routing), the Canadian Arctic Archipelago's ice and tundra, the Rocky Mountains (visible during approach to North America), the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada (visible during descent into California)