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SFO → SMF
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this short hop, providing iconic views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the picturesque North Bay coastline immediately following takeoff from SFO.
Search flights from SFO to SMF
San Francisco Skyline
A breathtaking view of the Salesforce Tower, Transamerica Pyramid, and the dense urban grid of the peninsula.
Golden Gate Bridge
If the flight path departs to the north or west, this side offers an unparalleled aerial perspective of the world-famous bridge.
Alcatraz Island
Clearly visible in the middle of the bay, providing a unique look at the historic prison complex.
San Pablo Bay
The expansive northern waters of the bay, often dotted with whitecaps and shipping vessels.
Napa Valley
On clear days, the rolling green vineyards of the world-renowned wine country are visible to the northwest.
Book a window seat on the left and prepare your camera immediately after takeoff. Morning flights are highly recommended to avoid the common afternoon marine layer (fog) that can obscure the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a very short flight, so landmarks appear in rapid succession within the first five minutes.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesBay Bridge
View the massive eastern span of the bridge and the industrial heart of the Port of Oakland.
Mount Diablo
The most prominent peak in the East Bay, standing as a lone sentinel over the surrounding valleys.
The Delta
The intricate, geometric patchwork of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and its maze of levees.
Carquinez Strait
A narrow maritime channel where the river systems meet the bay, often filled with cargo ships.
Sacramento River
Follow the winding path of the river as it leads directly toward the downtown Sacramento skyline.
The right side is best for observing the unique geography of the California Delta. Afternoon flights on this side benefit from the sun being behind the aircraft, illuminating the waterways and agricultural islands with a golden glow. Look for the UC Berkeley campus and the Campanile tower shortly after leaving SFO.
Book Hotels in SacramentoDistance: 138 km (86 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 14 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Route Type: Domestic
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