Loading map...
ELP → SAT
Which side of the plane to sit from El Paso International Airport (El Paso) to San Antonio International Airport (San Antonio)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most dramatic scenery, featuring the stark white Salt Flats and the majestic Guadalupe Mountains, including the highest peak in Texas.
Search flights from ELP to SAT
Hueco Tanks
Unique syenite rock clusters located shortly after takeoff from ELP, famous for historical rock art.
Salt Flat
A brilliant white, shimmering expanse of dried lake beds contrasting sharply with the surrounding desert floor.
Guadalupe Mountains
Home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, offering rugged limestone cliff views.
Permian Basin
The vast network of oil rigs and industrial infrastructure of the Midland-Odessa energy corridor.
Texas Hill Country
The transition from arid desert to rolling green hills and cedar-covered ridges as you approach Central Texas.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Guadalupe Mountains approximately 20 minutes into the flight. For morning flights, the sun will be behind you, illuminating the mountains and salt flats perfectly. Look for the sudden change from brown desert to the green limestone plateaus of the Hill Country during the final 30 minutes.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Rio Grande
The winding river marking the international border between the United States and Mexico.
Davis Mountains
A distant volcanic mountain range to the south, often visible on clear days in the Big Bend region.
Amistad Reservoir
A large, bright blue body of water on the border near Del Rio, providing a stark contrast to the brushland.
Downtown San Antonio
On many approach patterns, the Tower of the Americas and downtown skyline are visible just before landing.
Chihuahuan Desert
Expansive views of the high desert landscape with its unique arroyos and scrub vegetation.
Choose the right side if you want to track the international border. The glint of the Rio Grande is easy to spot. During descent into San Antonio, if the plane approaches from the north or west, you will have an excellent view of the downtown skyline and the Tower of the Americas. Afternoon flights on this side will experience significant sun glare.
Book Hotels in San AntonioDistance: 797 km (495 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 20 min
Departure: ELP (31.80719948, -106.37799840000002)
Arrival: SAT (29.533700942993164, -98.46980285644533)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.