Delhi (DEL) to San Francisco (SFO) is about 7,690 miles and typically takes 15 h 25 min by air. It is an international route, so check passport and entry rules. Airlines with hubs at both ends are the likeliest to offer nonstops; otherwise expect a connection. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
DEL to SFO at a glance
| Route | Delhi (DEL) to San Francisco (SFO) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 7,690 miles / 12,380 km |
| Typical flight time | 15 h 25 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 13½ hours behind |
| Route type | International |
| Airlines with hubs here | United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Air India |
About the Delhi to San Francisco route
The route between Delhi (DEL) and San Francisco (SFO) crosses borders and, in most cases, an ocean or a continent. It rewards early planning: entry rules, passport validity and baggage allowances all vary from one destination to the next.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 15 h 25 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 15 h 10 min to 15 h 55 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 7,690 miles (12,380 km), not a published schedule.
San Francisco is 13½ hours behind Delhi on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, DEL to SFO is longer than about 94% of them.
For comparison, Delhi to Chicago (DEL to ORD) is about 7,470 miles, so San Francisco is a bit farther out from DEL.
The airports
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Indira Gandhi International is North India's largest airport and the main hub for Air India. Full DEL guide.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO is United's main West Coast hub and a key link to Asia and the Pacific. Full SFO guide.
Do not stop at DEL and SFO. Also compare around San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, because a different airport can change both the fare and your ground travel.
Airlines on this route
No single carrier we cover has hubs at both DEL and SFO. United Airlines (at SFO), Alaska Airlines (at SFO), and Air India (at DEL) each operate a large network at one end, so many itineraries on this route connect rather than fly nonstop.
Nonstop availability on any route can shift from one season to the next, so treat this as a guide to who is likely to serve the market, not a timetable.
Common connection points
A one-stop trip would most naturally connect through a hub such as Alaska Airlines via Anchorage (ANC), which adds about 20 miles (0% beyond the direct distance) or United Airlines via Los Angeles (LAX), which adds about 650 miles (8% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
For this trip, keep in mind that at SFO, fog is most common from June through August; fall is often the clearest time to fly. At DEL, october through March has the most comfortable weather; wedding season and festivals increase demand.
Ground transport
Getting to and from DEL
The Airport Express Metro Line connects to New Delhi Railway Station in about 20 minutes.
Getting to and from SFO
BART trains run directly into the International Terminal and reach downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes.
Booking tips
Long international tickets are more sensitive to changes than domestic ones, so read the fare rules on baggage and changes before you pay. Start with our international flight checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Delhi to San Francisco?
A typical DEL to SFO flight takes about 15 h 25 min, with a likely range of 15 h 10 min to 15 h 55 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is San Francisco from Delhi by air?
The great-circle distance between DEL and SFO is about 7,690 miles (12,380 km).
Which airlines fly from Delhi to San Francisco?
United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Air India have a major presence at DEL or SFO, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Delhi and San Francisco?
San Francisco is 13½ hours behind Delhi on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Do I need a passport to fly from Delhi to San Francisco?
Yes, international flights require a valid passport, and the United States may have additional entry or visa rules. Check the official government site before booking.
When is the best time to book DEL to SFO?
Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving Delhi (DEL)
- Delhi to AtlantaDEL to ATL
- Delhi to ChicagoDEL to ORD
- Delhi to DallasDEL to DFW
- Delhi to HoustonDEL to IAH
- Delhi to MumbaiDEL to BOM
- Delhi to New YorkDEL to JFK
More flights involving San Francisco (SFO)
- Boston to San FranciscoBOS to SFO
- Houston to San FranciscoIAH to SFO
- Los Angeles to San FranciscoLAX to SFO
- Mumbai to San FranciscoBOM to SFO
- New York to San FranciscoJFK to SFO
- Newark to San FranciscoEWR to SFO
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.