The right side combines a glimpse of the Great Lakes and northern plains during cruise with the far more dramatic San Francisco Bay approach, including the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline, which outweighs the left side's quieter South Bay landing view.
Flight Path
Great Lakes basin (Lake Huron/Michigan region), the northern Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains near Wyoming, the Great Salt Lake, and the Nevada high desert leading into the Sierra Nevada range before the descent into the Bay Area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTWestbound departures off runway 23/24L bank the aircraft south of the flight path shortly after liftoff, putting downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario in view on the left side before the turn onto the westward routing.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTArriving from the east, the descent path crosses the Bay on the northern side of the aircraft, giving a clear view of San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to San Francisco. The right side combines a glimpse of the Great Lakes and northern plains during cruise with the far more dramatic San Francisco Bay approach, including the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline, which outweighs the left side's quieter South Bay landing view.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Westbound departures off runway 23/24L bank the aircraft south of the flight path shortly after liftoff, putting downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario in view on the left side before the turn onto the westward routing. Notable sights include: CN Tower, downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario shoreline.
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. Arriving from the east, the descent path crosses the Bay on the northern side of the aircraft, giving a clear view of San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance before touchdown. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island.
How long is the flight from Toronto to San Francisco?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 5h 15m.
What does the Toronto to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Great Lakes basin (Lake Huron/Michigan region), the northern Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains near Wyoming, the Great Salt Lake, and the Nevada high desert leading into the Sierra Nevada range before the descent into the Bay Area.