Loading map...
SJC → BUR
Which side of the plane to sit from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose) to Bob Hope Airport (Burbank)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Diablo Range and Lick Observatory during departure, followed by the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains on the descent into Burbank.
Search flights from SJC to BUR
Lick Observatory
Visible atop Mount Hamilton in the Diablo Range shortly after departing San Jose.
San Joaquin Valley
A vast, colorful patchwork of agricultural fields stretching across the California interior.
Tehachapi Mountains
The rugged transverse mountain range that separates Central California from the Mojave Desert.
Antelope Valley
Expansive high desert vistas near Palmdale and Lancaster, often bright with wildflowers in spring.
San Gabriel Mountains
Towering peaks that provide a dramatic backdrop as the plane enters the Los Angeles Basin.
Sit on the left side during morning flights to keep the sun behind you and avoid glare. Keep your eyes peeled within the first 5 minutes of takeoff to spot the white domes of Lick Observatory. On the final approach into BUR, look for the Rose Bowl in the distance toward the southeast.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Monterey Bay
Distant but sparkling views of the Pacific coastline and the curve of the bay after takeoff.
Salinas Valley
The fertile 'Salad Bowl of the World' framed by the Santa Lucia and Gabilan mountain ranges.
The Grapevine (I-5)
The iconic Interstate 5 winding its way through the steep Tejon Pass.
Pyramid Lake
A distinct, deep-blue reservoir tucked into the mountains along the descent path.
San Fernando Valley
A wide-angle view of the dense urban grid of Los Angeles as you prepare to land.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or sunset flights to witness the sun dipping toward the Pacific Ocean. Use the I-5 highway as a landmark to track your progress through the mountains. During winter, look for snow caps on the higher peaks of the Los Padres National Forest.
Book Hotels in BurbankDistance: 477 km (296 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 48 min
Departure: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Arrival: BUR (34.200698852539055, -118.35900115966795)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.