Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) is about 340 miles and typically takes 1 h 15 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
LAX to SFO at a glance
| Route | Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 340 miles / 540 km |
| Typical flight time | 1 h 15 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | None |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines |
About the Los Angeles to San Francisco route
This short route links Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) in about 1 h 15 min of block time. When the distance is small, delays at either airport can outweigh the flight itself.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 1 h 15 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 0 h 55 min to 1 h 40 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 340 miles (540 km), not a published schedule.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, LAX to SFO is longer than about 4% of them.
For comparison, Los Angeles to Phoenix (LAX to PHX) is about 370 miles, so San Francisco is a bit closer away from LAX.
The airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the West Coast's largest gateway, with heavy service to Asia, Australia, Latin America and every major U.S. market. Full LAX 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.
Other airports are worth a look: around Los Angeles, Hollywood Burbank and San Diego (SAN); and around San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose. Comparing them can change the price or the travel time to your final destination.
Airlines on this route
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have a hub at both ends, so they are the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines also have 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.
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 LAX, marine-layer fog can slow early-morning operations from late spring through summer.
Ground transport
Getting to and from LAX
Rideshare pickup happens at the LAX-it lot outside the terminal loop, and a shuttle connects to the Metro rail network; road traffic on the 405 and 105 can be unpredictable.
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 Los Angeles to San Francisco?
A typical LAX to SFO flight takes about 1 h 15 min, with a likely range of 0 h 55 min to 1 h 40 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is San Francisco from Los Angeles by air?
The great-circle distance between LAX and SFO is about 340 miles (540 km).
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at LAX or SFO, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
Are there other airports near Los Angeles?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Hollywood Burbank and San Diego (SAN). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book LAX 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 Los Angeles (LAX)
- Anchorage to Los AngelesANC to LAX
- Austin to Los AngelesAUS to LAX
- Boston to Los AngelesBOS to LAX
- Charlotte to Los AngelesCLT to LAX
- Cleveland to Los AngelesCLE to LAX
- Detroit to Los AngelesDTW 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
- 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.