Distance

about 5,350 mi

Typical flight time

11 h – 12 h

Airports

3 × 5

Time difference

8 h ahead

This page covers the practical side of flying between San Francisco and London: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.

Quick answer: San Francisco to London is about 5,350 miles (8,610 km) and a typical flight takes 11 h to 12 h. London is 8 hours ahead of San Francisco. San Francisco has 3 airports to compare and London has 5.

Airport pairs to compare

The Bay Area has three major airports, and the best one depends on where you are staying. SFO is the main gateway, with Oakland and San Jose as alternatives. London has several airports, and the right one depends on where you are staying and which airline you fly. Heathrow is the largest and handles most long-haul routes.

About the airports

• SFO · San Francisco International
  The main airport, south of the city, with a BART connection.
• OAK · Oakland International
  A good alternative if you are staying in the East Bay or want a smaller airport.
• SJC · San Jose Mineta International
  A convenient choice for Silicon Valley and the South Bay.
• LHR · Heathrow
  The largest airport, west of the city, with the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express to central London.
• LGW · Gatwick
  South of London, with direct trains to central stations.
• STN · Stansted
  North-east of London, used heavily by low-cost carriers.
• LTN · Luton
  North of London, also used heavily by low-cost carriers.
• LCY · London City
  Close to Canary Wharf and the financial district, with a smaller set of routes.

Airlines with a major base at either end

• At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
• At London: British Airways

Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options on your dates.

When to go and what to expect

San Francisco

Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy.

London

Late spring through early autumn brings the mildest weather and the longest days. Winter is darker and wetter but often cheaper, with a price spike around the December holidays.

International trip: you will need a valid passport, and possibly a visa or entry authorization. Our international checklist covers what to check.

How long is San Francisco to London?

At about 5,350 miles, San Francisco to London is a long-haul trip. Itineraries can be nonstop or can connect, and a connection can add many hours, so compare total travel time as well as price. Check seat, baggage and change rules before you pay.

Time zones and timing

London is 8 hours ahead of San Francisco, so you land at a local time 8 hours later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination. Check the arrival date on any overnight itinerary, since it can differ from the departure date. With a gap this large, many travelers plan a lighter first day.

Getting between the airport and town

San Francisco: BART trains connect SFO and Oakland to the wider region, which avoids freeway traffic.

London: The Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express connect Heathrow with central London. Gatwick, Stansted and Luton have direct train services as well.

Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.

Good to know

• Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
• Fog can cause delays at SFO, particularly in the morning. Check all three airports when you compare fares.
• A valid passport is required. The UK uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation system for many visa-free visitors, so check the official UK government site before you book.
• International travel: check passport, visa and entry rules well before you pay. See our international checklist.
• Entry rules depend on your citizenship and can include a visa or an electronic travel authorization. Check the official guidance for the destination well before you pay.
• Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.

Flying London to San Francisco?

This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from San Francisco or all flights from London.

Frequently asked questions

How far is San Francisco from London?

The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 5,350 miles (8,610 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.

How long is a flight from San Francisco to London?

A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 11 h to 12 h in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.

Which airports can I use?

At San Francisco: SFO (San Francisco International), OAK (Oakland International), SJC (San Jose Mineta International). At London: LHR (Heathrow), LGW (Gatwick), STN (Stansted), LTN (Luton), LCY (London City). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.

Is there a time difference?

London is 8 hours ahead of San Francisco.

When is the best time to fly from San Francisco to London?

In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. In London: Late spring through early autumn brings the mildest weather and the longest days. Winter is darker and wetter but often cheaper, with a price spike around the December holidays. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.

Which airlines should I compare for San Francisco to London?

Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and British Airways. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.

Do you show fares on this page?

No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.

What documents do I need?

A valid passport is required. Entry rules depend on your citizenship, so check the official guidance for the destination. See our international checklist.

Route details updated October 18, 2026.

Related routes