Houston (IAH) to San Francisco (SFO) is about 1,630 miles and typically takes 3 h 50 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
IAH to SFO at a glance
| Route | Houston (IAH) to San Francisco (SFO) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 1,630 miles / 2,630 km |
| Typical flight time | 3 h 50 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 2 hours behind |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | United Airlines and Alaska Airlines |
About the Houston to San Francisco route
Houston to San Francisco covers about 1,630 miles, a mid-length domestic trip that most airlines can serve nonstop or with one easy connection.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 3 h 50 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 3 h 30 min to 4 h 15 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 1,630 miles (2,630 km), not a published schedule.
San Francisco is 2 hours behind Houston on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, IAH to SFO is longer than about 58% of them.
For comparison, Houston to Newark (IAH to EWR) is about 1,400 miles, so San Francisco is a bit farther out from IAH.
The airports
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Bush Intercontinental is United's gateway to Latin America and Texas. Full IAH 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 IAH and SFO. Also compare around Houston, Houston Hobby (HOU); 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.
Airlines add and drop frequencies throughout the year. Our agents can check what is actually scheduled on your dates.
Common connection points
A one-stop trip would most naturally connect through a hub such as Alaska Airlines via Los Angeles (LAX), which adds about 80 miles (5% beyond the direct distance) or United Airlines via Los Angeles (LAX), which adds about 80 miles (5% 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
Timing matters here. At SFO, fog is most common from June through August; fall is often the clearest time to fly. At IAH, hurricane season from June to November can bring weather-related disruptions.
Ground transport
Getting to and from IAH
Metro buses and a flat-rate airport shuttle serve downtown; most visitors use rideshare or rental cars.
Getting to and from SFO
BART trains run directly into the International Terminal and reach downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes.
Booking tips
Many travelers on Houston to San Francisco fly midweek for work, which can make Tuesday and Wednesday busier than you might expect. Compare departures across the day on our cheap-flights checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Houston to San Francisco?
A typical IAH to SFO flight takes about 3 h 50 min, with a likely range of 3 h 30 min to 4 h 15 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is San Francisco from Houston by air?
The great-circle distance between IAH and SFO is about 1,630 miles (2,630 km).
Which airlines fly from Houston to San Francisco?
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at IAH or SFO, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Houston and San Francisco?
San Francisco is 2 hours behind Houston on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Houston?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Houston Hobby (HOU). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book IAH 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 Houston (IAH)
- Delhi to HoustonDEL to IAH
- Houston to ChicagoIAH to ORD
- Houston to DenverIAH to DEN
- Houston to Los AngelesIAH to LAX
- Houston to NewarkIAH to EWR
- Houston to SeattleIAH to SEA
More flights involving San Francisco (SFO)
- Boston to San FranciscoBOS to SFO
- Delhi to San FranciscoDEL 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.