Loading map...
SFO → LAS
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic landmarks, including a spectacular bird's-eye view of Yosemite National Park, the sapphire waters of Mono Lake, and the vast salt flats of Death Valley.
San Francisco Bay
Immediate views of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and the downtown skyline shortly after takeoff from SFO.
Yosemite National Park
Look for the distinct granite face of Half Dome and the glacial carved valley of Yosemite approximately 30 minutes into the flight.
Mono Lake
A prehistoric saline lake located just east of the Sierras, known for its unique tufa towers and deep blue color.
Death Valley
Aerial perspective of the lowest point in North America, featuring the stark white salt crust of Badwater Basin.
Red Rock Canyon
Vibrant red Aztec Sandstone formations visible during the final descent into the Las Vegas valley.
Book a window seat on the left side (typically 'A') for the best view of Yosemite. Morning flights are preferred as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the Sierra Nevada range without glare. On clear days, the contrast between the snow-capped peaks and the desert floor is breathtaking.
Silicon Valley
Views of the tech corridor, including the distinctive circular Apple Park campus and Stanford University.
Sequoia National Park
The high ridges of the southern Sierras, home to the world's largest trees located deep within the rugged terrain.
Mount Whitney
The highest peak in the contiguous United States, standing tall at 14,505 feet among the jagged Sierra crest.
Mojave National Preserve
Vast desert landscapes featuring cinder cones, lava flows, and the Kelso Dunes.
Las Vegas Strip
Depending on the landing approach (Runway 26), the right side often gets a direct view of the high-rise casinos and the Sphere.
The right side (typically 'F') is superior for spotting Mount Whitney. If the flight approaches LAS from the south, this side provides the most direct view of the Strip's architecture. In winter, the snow coverage on the southern Sierras makes this side particularly scenic.
Distance: 665 km (413 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 7 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: LAS (36.08010101, -115.1520004)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.