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PHX → TUS
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to Tucson International Airport (Tucson)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most dramatic views of the towering Santa Catalina Mountains and the iconic Picacho Peak, which stands as a lone sentinel between the two cities.
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Camelback Mountain
The most famous silhouette in the Phoenix skyline, visible shortly after takeoff from PHX.
Superstition Mountains
Large, rugged volcanic range to the east, home to the legendary Lost Dutchman mine.
Picacho Peak
A sharp, 1,500-foot volcanic spire that serves as the primary landmark halfway through the flight.
Santa Catalina Mountains
The massive range bordering Tucson to the north, featuring Mount Lemmon and dramatic pine-topped ridges.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun while catching the morning light hitting the mountain faces. This is a very short flight (roughly 25-40 minutes), so be ready to spot Picacho Peak almost immediately after reaching cruising altitude. Looking left during the descent into TUS provides a grand view of the entire Tucson valley floor framed by high peaks.
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South Mountain Park
Extensive desert park featuring the 'tower farm' of Phoenix's primary television and radio transmitters.
Gila River Indian Community
Expansive agricultural lands and natural desert terrain south of the Phoenix metro area.
Tucson Mountains
The smaller but beautiful range on the west side of Tucson, home to Saguaro National Park West.
Silver Bell Mountains
A rugged range to the west of the flight path known for historic and active mining operations.
The right side is the 'sunset side' for late afternoon or evening flights, offering spectacular colors over the desert horizon. It provides an excellent perspective of the Gila River valley's transition from urban sprawl to open desert. If the flight path approaches Tucson from the south, you may also see the massive ASARCO Mission open-pit copper mines near Sahuarita.
Book Hotels in TucsonDistance: 178 km (111 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 18 min
Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Arrival: TUS (32.116100311279304, -110.94100189208984)
Route Type: Domestic
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