Loading map...
SJC → SMF
Which side of the plane to sit from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose) to Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most geographically diverse views, featuring the prominent peaks of the Diablo Range and the intricate, shimmering waterways of the California Delta during the descent.
Search flights from SJC to SMF
Mount Diablo
The massive, isolated peak of the East Bay that serves as a primary navigational landmark for the region.
California Delta
A breathtaking maze of levees, islands, and river channels where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers converge.
Sacramento Skyline
The golden-domed State Capitol and the modern high-rises of downtown Sacramento appear clearly during the final approach.
Mission Peak
The popular hiking summit in Fremont provides a close-up look at the rugged terrain of the East Bay hills.
Choose the right side for late afternoon or evening flights to see the Delta waterways glowing in the sunset. Keep an eye out for the white domes of the Lick Observatory on top of Mount Hamilton just after leaving the San Jose area.
Book Hotels in Sacramento
South Bay Salt Ponds
Stunning geometric patterns of red, orange, and lime-green ponds visible immediately after takeoff from San Jose.
Stanford University
A clear view of the iconic Hoover Tower and the red-tiled roofs of the historic campus to the west.
San Francisco Bay Bridges
Successive views of the Dumbarton and San Mateo-Hayward bridges stretching across the water.
San Francisco Skyline
On clear days, the distant skyscrapers of downtown SF and the Salesforce Tower are visible against the Pacific horizon.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid heavy sun glare over the water. This side provides the best view of the Peninsula's urban density and the coastal mountains. Look for Moffett Federal Airfield's massive Hangar One shortly after departure.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 151 km (94 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 15 min
Departure: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.