Loading map...
SFO → ORF
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Norfolk International Airport (Norfolk)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe, the Great Salt Lake, and the northern Rocky Mountains, alongside a better angle for the San Francisco skyline upon departure from most runways.
Search flights from SFO to ORF
San Francisco Skyline
Crystal clear views of the Financial District and Bay Bridge immediately after takeoff.
Lake Tahoe
The largest alpine lake in North America, visible as a deep blue jewel in the Sierras.
Great Salt Lake
The vast salt flats and shallow waters of Utah create unique color gradients.
The Rockies
Dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Colorado Front Range transitioning into the plains.
Chesapeake Bay
The winding estuaries and coastal islands of Virginia during the descent into ORF.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and avoid glare. Look out about 25 minutes after takeoff for the stunning blue of Lake Tahoe. As you approach Norfolk, this side often provides a broader view of the Chesapeake Bay's intricate coastline and the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Silicon Valley
The sprawling tech campuses and colorful salt ponds of the South San Francisco Bay.
Sierra High Peaks
Aerial perspective of the jagged granite peaks near Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes.
Midwestern Grids
Perfectly geometric crop circles and agricultural patterns across Kansas and Missouri.
Appalachian Mountains
The ancient, forested ridges of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny ranges.
Naval Station Norfolk
A bird's-eye view of the world's largest naval base and its fleet of aircraft carriers.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunset on late afternoon flights heading east. Keep an eye out for Yosemite's peaks to the south early in the flight. On final approach into ORF, this side typically offers the best view of the massive aircraft carriers docked at Naval Station Norfolk, which is a highlight of the trip.
Book Hotels in NorfolkDistance: 4,045 km (2,513 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 46 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: ORF (36.89459991455078, -76.20120239257812)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.