San Francisco (SFO) to Denver (DEN) is about 960 miles and typically takes 2 h 30 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
SFO to DEN at a glance
| Route | San Francisco (SFO) to Denver (DEN) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 960 miles / 1,550 km |
| Typical flight time | 2 h 30 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 1 hours ahead |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines |
About the San Francisco to Denver route
San Francisco to Denver covers about 960 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 2 h 30 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 2 h 10 min to 2 h 55 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 960 miles (1,550 km), not a published schedule.
Denver is 1 hour ahead of San Francisco on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, SFO to DEN is longer than about 32% of them.
For comparison, San Francisco to Seattle (SFO to SEA) is about 680 miles, so Denver is a bit farther out from SFO.
The airports
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.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver is a United hub and one of Southwest's busiest airports, which gives travelers a wide choice of nonstops across the West and Midwest. Full DEN guide.
Nearby alternatives: around San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose; and around Denver, Colorado Springs. Price all of them before you commit, especially if you have flexible dates.
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.
Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines 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.
Common connection points
If you choose a one-stop itinerary, likely routings include Southwest Airlines via Las Vegas (LAS), which adds about 80 miles (8% beyond the direct distance) or Alaska Airlines via Los Angeles (LAX), which adds about 230 miles (24% 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 DEN, ski season brings holiday peaks, and spring snowstorms can cause sudden cancellations. At SFO, fog is most common from June through August; fall is often the clearest time to fly.
Ground transport
Getting to and from SFO
BART trains run directly into the International Terminal and reach downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes.
Getting to and from DEN
The A Line train reaches Union Station in about 37 minutes.
Booking tips
If you are flying to Denver for a vacation, compare the fare with bags included, since leisure travelers often check luggage. Our fare-type guide shows what low fares leave out.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Denver?
A typical SFO to DEN flight takes about 2 h 30 min, with a likely range of 2 h 10 min to 2 h 55 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Denver from San Francisco by air?
The great-circle distance between SFO and DEN is about 960 miles (1,550 km).
Which airlines fly from San Francisco to Denver?
United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at SFO or DEN, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between San Francisco and Denver?
Denver is 1 hour ahead of San Francisco on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near San Francisco?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Oakland and San Jose. Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book SFO to DEN?
For leisure routes like this, book early for school holidays and peak seasons. 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 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
More flights involving Denver (DEN)
- Atlanta to DenverATL to DEN
- Austin to DenverAUS to DEN
- Baltimore to DenverBWI to DEN
- Chicago to DenverMDW to DEN
- Chicago to DenverORD to DEN
- Cleveland to DenverCLE to DEN
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.