Loading map...
ELP → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from El Paso International Airport (El Paso) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Guadalupe Mountains shortly after takeoff, followed by the scenic transition into the Texas Hill Country and views of the Austin area lakes.
Guadalupe Peak
The highest point in Texas and the iconic El Capitan limestone cliff are visible shortly after departing El Paso.
Permian Basin
View the vast network of oil rigs and access roads that define the unique industrial landscape of West Texas.
Highland Lakes
See the winding chain of blue lakes, including Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan, as you approach Central Texas.
Austin Skyline
On clear days, the distinct silhouette of the Texas State Capitol and the growing downtown skyline is visible to the north.
Sam Houston National Forest
The landscape shifts dramatically from desert brown to deep forest green as you begin your descent into Houston.
Sit on the left for the best views of the mountain ranges early in the flight. For late afternoon departures, this side provides excellent lighting for photography as the sun will be behind the aircraft, illuminating the ground features.
Ciudad Juárez
Immediately after takeoff, look south to see the dense urban sprawl of Juárez across the international border.
Rio Grande
Trace the winding path of the river that marks the boundary between the United States and Mexico.
Davis Mountains
View the volcanic peaks of West Texas, home to the McDonald Observatory, visible in the distance to the south.
Amistad Reservoir
A massive, shimmering body of water at the confluence of the Devils and Rio Grande rivers near Del Rio.
San Antonio
If the flight path takes a southerly route, you can spot the Tower of the Americas and the San Antonio downtown core.
The right side is ideal for seeing the international border and the arid beauty of the Trans-Pecos region. However, on morning flights, the sun will be directly in your window, which can cause significant glare and heat.
Distance: 1,072 km (666 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: ELP (31.80719948, -106.37799840000002)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.