Newark (EWR) to San Francisco (SFO) is about 2,560 miles and typically takes 5 h 40 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
EWR to SFO at a glance
| Route | Newark (EWR) to San Francisco (SFO) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 2,560 miles / 4,120 km |
| Typical flight time | 5 h 40 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 3 hours behind |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | United Airlines and Alaska Airlines |
About the Newark to San Francisco route
Covering around 2,560 miles, the trip from Newark (EWR) to San Francisco (SFO) is one of the longer domestic routes. Expect several hours in the air and a noticeable shift in local time.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 5 h 40 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 5 h 20 min to 6 h 05 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 2,560 miles (4,120 km), not a published schedule. Flights heading west usually take noticeably longer than flights heading east because of prevailing winds aloft, so the return flight can differ by 30 minutes or more.
San Francisco is 3 hours behind Newark on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, EWR to SFO is longer than about 79% of them.
For comparison, Newark to Los Angeles (EWR to LAX) is about 2,450 miles, so San Francisco is a bit farther out from EWR.
The airports
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark is a major United hub on the New Jersey side of the New York metro area, with strong service to Europe, Israel, India and the rest of the United States. Full EWR 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 EWR and SFO. Also compare around Newark, JFK (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA); and around San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, because a different airport can change both the fare and your ground travel.
Airlines on this route
United Airlines has a hub at both ends, so it is the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
Alaska Airlines also has a major presence at one of the two airports.
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
Connecting itineraries on this route often look like Alaska Airlines via Los Angeles (LAX), which adds about 230 miles (9% 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
Seasonal factors to weigh: at SFO, fog is most common from June through August; fall is often the clearest time to fly. At EWR, thunderstorms in summer and winter storms are the usual sources of delays on busy days.
Ground transport
Getting to and from EWR
An AirTrain connects the terminals to the Newark Liberty station on NJ Transit and Amtrak lines, with direct trains toward Penn Station in Manhattan.
Getting to and from SFO
BART trains run directly into the International Terminal and reach downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes.
Booking tips
Fares on routes with strong business demand rarely drop sharply at the last minute. Book once your dates are firm and review the 24-hour rule in case plans change.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Newark to San Francisco?
A typical EWR to SFO flight takes about 5 h 40 min, with a likely range of 5 h 20 min to 6 h 05 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is San Francisco from Newark by air?
The great-circle distance between EWR and SFO is about 2,560 miles (4,120 km).
Which airlines fly from Newark to San Francisco?
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at EWR or SFO, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Newark and San Francisco?
San Francisco is 3 hours behind Newark on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Newark?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include JFK (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book EWR 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 Newark (EWR)
- Houston to NewarkIAH to EWR
- Newark to ChicagoEWR to ORD
- Newark to DelhiEWR to DEL
- Newark to DenverEWR to DEN
- Newark to LondonEWR to LHR
- Newark to Los AngelesEWR to LAX
More flights involving San Francisco (SFO)
- Boston to San FranciscoBOS to SFO
- Delhi to San FranciscoDEL 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
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.