Loading map...
SFO → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides are spectacular, the right side consistently offers a more dramatic view of Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, and the vivid red rock formations of the Colorado Plateau and Southern Rockies.
Search flights from SFO to RDU
Yosemite National Park
Unparalleled views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and the high Sierra peaks roughly 20-30 minutes into the flight.
Mono Lake
The ancient saline soda lake with its distinct tufa towers visible against the desert floor.
Arches & Canyonlands
The deep red canyons and sandstone formations of the Utah desert landscape.
Pikes Peak
The famous 14,000-foot summit standing prominently on the edge of the Colorado Rockies.
St. Louis Arch
The iconic Gateway Arch and the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.
The right side is the 'photographer's side' for this route. Be ready shortly after takeoff for Yosemite, which is often the scenic highlight. On sunset flights, the desert landscapes of the Southwest will be bathed in a warm orange glow.
Book Hotels in Raleigh-durham
San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline immediately after takeoff.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue waters of North America's largest alpine lake surrounded by the Northern Sierra Nevada.
Great Salt Lake
The striking color contrasts and salt flats of Utah's massive inland sea.
Missouri River
Watching the massive river system carve paths through the agricultural heartland near Omaha.
Appalachian Range
The rolling, forested ridges of West Virginia and Virginia as you begin the descent.
For morning flights, the left side offers excellent lighting of the Northern Rockies without the direct glare of the sun. Aim for a seat in front of the wing for the best view of the Great Salt Lake's unique turquoise and purple hues.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,853 km (2,394 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 32 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.