Right side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over British Columbia and the Cascades, the right side also faces generally south and east, keeping the main volcanic peaks of the Cascades — including Mount Rainier and Mount Shasta — closer to view on the right as the route tracks southwest. The SFO Bay approach on the right is one of the best urban water approaches in North America.
Flown YEG to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edmonton to San Francisco is 1,163 miles (1,871 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight tracks southwest over central British Columbia's Interior Plateau, crossing the Fraser Plateau and the Coast Mountains near the BC-Washington border. The route then passes over or near the Cascade Range in Washington and Oregon, where Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Mount Adams, and Mount Shasta are potentially visible depending on exact routing. The Columbia River valley is a notable feature crossing the Washington-Oregon border. Northern California's Sacramento Valley appears as a flat agricultural plain before the Bay Area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YEG
RIGHTYEG's primary departure runway 30 sends aircraft northwest before turning southwest toward SFO. The right side faces south and southwest, giving views over Edmonton's city grid and the North Saskatchewan River valley as you climb out. The river valley is a distinctive dark green corridor cutting through the flat prairie.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTSFO's primary landing configuration on runways 28L/28R brings aircraft in from the east over the Bay. The right side faces north, giving a clear view of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco peninsula as you descend over the water. This is one of the most iconic approach views in commercial aviation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edmonton International (YEG) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edmonton to San Francisco. Right side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over British Columbia and the Cascades, the right side also faces generally south and east, keeping the main volcanic peaks of the Cascades — including Mount Rainier and Mount Shasta — closer to view on the right as the route tracks southwest. The SFO Bay approach on the right is one of the best urban water approaches in North America.
What can I see during takeoff from Edmonton International in Edmonton?
During takeoff from Edmonton International (YEG), sit on the Right side for the best views. YEG's primary departure runway 30 sends aircraft northwest before turning southwest toward SFO. The right side faces south and southwest, giving views over Edmonton's city grid and the North Saskatchewan River valley as you climb out. The river valley is a distinctive dark green corridor cutting through the flat prairie. Notable sights include: North Saskatchewan River valley, Edmonton city grid and downtown towers, flat Alberta prairie stretching south, early glimpse of the Battle River watershed to the south.
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. SFO's primary landing configuration on runways 28L/28R brings aircraft in from the east over the Bay. The right side faces north, giving a clear view of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco peninsula as you descend over the water. This is one of the most iconic approach views in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge (Bay Bridge eastern and western spans), San Francisco city skyline and downtown, Marin Headlands and Golden Gate visible to the northwest.
How long is the flight from Edmonton to San Francisco?
The flight from Edmonton International (YEG) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,163 miles (1,871 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edmonton to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over central British Columbia's Interior Plateau, crossing the Fraser Plateau and the Coast Mountains near the BC-Washington border. The route then passes over or near the Cascade Range in Washington and Oregon, where Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Mount Adams, and Mount Shasta are potentially visible depending on exact routing. The Columbia River valley is a notable feature crossing the Washington-Oregon border. Northern California's Sacramento Valley appears as a flat agricultural plain before the Bay Area.