Loading map...
SFO → FRA
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is significantly more scenic for this polar route, offering the best views of the high Arctic glaciers and a high probability of witnessing the Aurora Borealis during the night-time crossing.
Search flights from SFO to FRA
Golden Gate Bridge
Catch views of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz during specific northward departure paths from SFO.
Sierra Nevada
Aerial views of the rugged, snow-capped peaks of Northern California and the Tahoe region.
Greenland Ice Sheet
Spectacular vistas of the vast, white glacial interior and deep blue crevasses.
Aurora Borealis
The primary side for viewing the Northern Lights as the plane faces north during the dark Arctic transit.
East Greenland Coast
Intricate coastal fjords and massive drifting icebergs visible during the transition to the Atlantic.
The North Sea
Spot massive offshore wind farms and international shipping lanes when crossing near the Dutch coast.
Choose a seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat distorting the view of Greenland's glaciers. For the Aurora Borealis, fly between September and March and use a dark garment to block out cabin reflections against the window glass.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for Germany
San Francisco Skyline
A stunning panorama of the SalesForce Tower and the Bay Bridge shortly after takeoff.
Great Salt Lake
Distinctive geometric shapes and varied colors of the Utah salt evaporation ponds.
The Wyoming Rockies
High-altitude views of the Grand Tetons and the jagged peaks of the Continental Divide.
Great Plains
The intricate patchwork quilt of circular irrigation patterns across the American Midwest.
Rhine River Valley
View the winding Rhine River and its historic castles as you descend into German airspace.
Mainhattan
The iconic skyscraper skyline of Frankfurt's financial district is often visible on the final approach.
The right side is the sunnier side of the aircraft; keep your window shade down during the mid-flight to avoid excessive glare. On the final approach to FRA, this side usually offers a superior view of the city center if landing toward the east.
Book Hotels in FrankfurtDistance: 9,149 km (5,685 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 46 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.