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SJC → RNO
Which side of the plane to sit from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose) to Reno Tahoe International Airport (Reno)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic and direct views of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra peaks as the flight tracks east-northeast from the Bay Area.
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Lick Observatory
Spot the white domes of the historic observatory atop Mount Hamilton.
Stanislaus National Forest
Thick evergreen canopies and deep canyons transitioning into the high mountains.
Lake Tahoe
The flight's crown jewel, offering stunning views of Emerald Bay and the south shore.
Desolation Wilderness
Stark granite landscapes and scattered alpine lakes just west of the Tahoe basin.
Downtown Reno
A close-up look at the 'Biggest Little City in the World' skyline during the final approach.
This is the 'Tahoe side.' Sit on the right to see the lake's famous blue waters about 30 minutes into the flight. For afternoon flights, be prepared for bright sun; lower your window shade halfway to manage glare. During winter, this side offers breathtaking views of snow-blanketed peaks in the Desolation Wilderness.
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San Francisco Bay
Aerial perspective of the southern bay waters and the salt ponds near Fremont.
Mission Peak
A clear view of the popular hiking summit in the Diablo Range shortly after takeoff.
Central Valley
A vast patchwork of agricultural fields stretching toward Sacramento in the north.
Northern Sierra Nevada
Rugged alpine terrain and the upper reaches of the American River drainage.
North Reno
Views of the University of Nevada, Reno campus and the northern residential valleys upon arrival.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It provides a better angle for seeing the sprawling suburban landscape of the East Bay and the northern Sierra crest. Keep your camera ready about 10 minutes after takeoff for the best views of the Diablo Range foothills.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 303 km (188 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 30 min
Departure: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Arrival: RNO (39.49909973144531, -119.76799774169922)
Route Type: Domestic
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