Loading map...
RNO → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Reno Tahoe International Airport (Reno) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a direct, breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe shortly after takeoff and the iconic San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge during the standard approach into SFO.
Search flights from RNO to SFO
Lake Tahoe
Unrivaled views of the entire alpine lake, including Emerald Bay and the surrounding ski resorts.
Donner Pass
The historic mountain pass used by the transcontinental railroad and early pioneers.
Sacramento Delta
The intricate network of waterways where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers meet.
Golden Gate Bridge
Visible in the distance to the north as the plane turns for its final approach over the bay.
San Francisco Skyline
A stunning close-up of the Financial District, Salesforce Tower, and the Embarcadero.
This is the premier side for this short flight. To see Lake Tahoe, look out almost immediately after reaching cruising altitude. During the descent, the plane typically flies south of the city and hooks back north; the right side will face the city and the bridges. Choose a window seat ahead of the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of the lake.
Book Hotels in San Francisco
Washoe Lake
Visible immediately after departure, nestled between Reno and Carson City.
High Sierra Peaks
Expansive views of the rugged mountain range extending south toward Yosemite.
Silicon Valley
Aerial views of major tech campuses in San Jose and Palo Alto during the southern arrival sequence.
Don Edwards Salt Ponds
Vibrant red and orange salt evaporation ponds at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay.
Sit on this side for a better view of the southern Sierra Nevada range and the sprawling tech hubs of the South Bay. On clear days, you may see the snow-capped peaks of the John Muir Wilderness in the far distance. Morning flights offer excellent front-lighting on the mountains.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 308 km (191 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 31 min
Departure: RNO (39.49909973144531, -119.76799774169922)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.