Loading map...
SFO → FAT
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Fresno Yosemite International Airport (Fresno)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior panorama of the East Bay hills, the iconic Mount Diablo, and a sweeping view of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains as you descend into the Central Valley.
SF Bay & Oakland
Views of the Bay Bridge and the industrial port of Oakland shortly after departure.
Mount Diablo
A prominent landmark in the East Bay, visible as the plane heads toward the Central Valley.
San Joaquin Valley
Vast, geometric patchwork of orchards and fields that define California's agricultural heartland.
High Sierra Skyline
On clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains line the eastern horizon.
Fresno Arrival
Aerial view of the northern Fresno suburbs and Clovis during the final descent.
Sit on the left for the most dramatic contrast between the urban Bay Area and the rugged Sierra Nevada. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you, illuminating the mountains perfectly. Watch for the 'Checkers' patterns of the valley orchards.
Silicon Valley
See the sprawling tech campuses of Palo Alto and San Jose as you track southeast.
Mount Hamilton
Look for the white domes of the Lick Observatory perched atop the highest peak of the Diablo Range.
San Luis Reservoir
A massive artificial lake nestled in the grassy hills of the Pacheco Pass area.
Fresno Skyline
Views of the downtown Fresno area and the southern residential sprawl before landing.
The right side is excellent for spotting Silicon Valley landmarks. Mid-day flights provide the best light for seeing the deep blue waters of the San Luis Reservoir. During the winter, the hills of the Diablo Range turn a vibrant green.
Distance: 253 km (157 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: FAT (36.77619934082031, -119.71800231933594)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.