New York (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO) is about 2,580 miles and typically takes 5 h 45 min by air. Airlines with hubs at both ends are the likeliest to offer nonstops; otherwise expect a connection. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
JFK to SFO at a glance
| Route | New York (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 2,580 miles / 4,150 km |
| Typical flight time | 5 h 45 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 3 hours behind |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Airlines |
About the New York to San Francisco route
Covering around 2,580 miles, the trip from New York (JFK) 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 45 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 5 h 25 min to 6 h 10 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 2,580 miles (4,150 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 New York on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, JFK to SFO is longer than about 80% of them.
For comparison, New York to Los Angeles (JFK to LAX) is about 2,470 miles, so San Francisco is a bit farther out from JFK.
The airports
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK sits in southeast Queens and is the New York area's biggest door to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Full JFK 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 JFK and SFO. Also compare around New York, LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty (EWR); 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
No single carrier we cover has hubs at both JFK and SFO. American Airlines (at JFK), Delta Air Lines (at JFK), United Airlines (at SFO), JetBlue Airways (at JFK), and Alaska Airlines (at SFO) 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
Connecting itineraries on this route often look like Alaska Airlines via Los Angeles (LAX), which adds about 230 miles (9% beyond the direct distance) or JetBlue Airways via Boston (BOS), which adds about 300 miles (12% 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 JFK, summer and the weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas bring the heaviest crowds; winter nor'easters are the main disruption risk.
Ground transport
Getting to and from JFK
The AirTrain links the terminals to the subway and the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica and Howard Beach; allow extra time for road traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway.
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 New York to San Francisco?
A typical JFK to SFO flight takes about 5 h 45 min, with a likely range of 5 h 25 min to 6 h 10 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is San Francisco from New York by air?
The great-circle distance between JFK and SFO is about 2,580 miles (4,150 km).
Which airlines fly from New York to San Francisco?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at JFK or SFO, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between New York and San Francisco?
San Francisco is 3 hours behind New York on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near New York?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty (EWR). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book JFK 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 New York (JFK)
- Austin to New YorkAUS to JFK
- Cancun to New YorkCUN to JFK
- Delhi to New YorkDEL to JFK
- Fort Lauderdale to New YorkFLL to JFK
- Mumbai to New YorkBOM to JFK
- New York to AtlantaJFK to ATL
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
- Newark to San FranciscoEWR to SFO
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.