Loading map...
PHX → OAK
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panorama of the Phoenix skyline upon departure, distant views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and an iconic approach over the San Francisco Bay with views of the city skyline and bridges.
Search flights from PHX to OAK
Downtown Phoenix
Clear aerial views of the city center, Chase Field, and surrounding mountain parks shortly after takeoff.
Wickenburg Mountains
Ancient rock formations and gold-mining history visible in the desert landscape of central Arizona.
Sierra Nevada Range
Stunning distant views of the snow-capped High Sierra, including peaks near Yosemite National Park.
San Francisco Bay
Breathtaking views of the turquoise salt ponds and the vast bay waters during the landing sequence.
Bay Area Bridges
Frequent sightings of the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge and the distant San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
The right side is ideal for morning flights as the sun illuminates the mountains and the desert floor. On clear days, you can often spot the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge far in the distance as the plane turns toward Oakland.
Book Hotels in OaklandSonoran Desert
Rugged desert terrain and saguaro-filled landscapes immediately after departure from Phoenix.
Mojave National Preserve
Expansive views of volcanic cinder cones and unique Joshua Tree forests from high altitude.
Tehachapi Mountains
The dramatic mountain pass that serves as the gateway between the desert and the California coast.
San Joaquin Valley
The sprawling, geometric patterns of California's agricultural heartland stretching for miles.
Mount Diablo
A prominent 3,849-foot peak that dominates the East Bay horizon during the descent.
Choose the left side for sunset flights to watch the sun dip behind the coastal ranges without direct glare. On the final approach into OAK, you will get a great view of the Oakland hills and the Mormon Temple's distinct spires.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,038 km (645 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min
Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Arrival: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.