Distance

about 8,400 mi

Typical flight time

17 h – 18 h

Airports

3 × 1

Time difference

12.5–13.5 h ahead

This page covers the practical side of flying between San Francisco and Mumbai: 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 Mumbai is about 8,400 miles (13,520 km) and a typical flight takes 17 h to 18 h. In winter, Mumbai is 13.5 hours ahead of San Francisco; in summer, Mumbai is 12.5 hours ahead of San Francisco. The gap changes because of daylight saving time. San Francisco has 3 airports to compare and Mumbai has 1.

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. Mumbai's international airport sits north of the city center, and traffic can add significant time to the trip into town.

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.
• BOM · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International
  The main airport, north of the city center.

Airlines with a major base at either end

• At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
• At Mumbai: Air India

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.

Mumbai

November to February is dry and pleasant. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain that can affect flights.

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 Mumbai?

At about 8,400 miles, San Francisco to Mumbai 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

Depending on daylight saving time, Mumbai is 12.5 to 13.5 hours ahead of San Francisco, so you land at a local time 12.5 to 13.5 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.

Mumbai: Road traffic is heavy at peak times, so leave generous time for airport transfers.

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.
• Visitors from many countries need a visa or an e-visa. Check the official Indian government portal for the current rules.
• 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 Mumbai to San Francisco?

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

Frequently asked questions

How far is San Francisco from Mumbai?

The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 8,400 miles (13,520 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.

How long is a flight from San Francisco to Mumbai?

A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 17 h to 18 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 Mumbai: BOM (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.

Is there a time difference?

In winter, Mumbai is 13.5 hours ahead of San Francisco; in summer, Mumbai is 12.5 hours ahead of San Francisco. The gap changes because of daylight saving time.

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

In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. In Mumbai: November to February is dry and pleasant. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain that can affect flights. 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 Mumbai?

Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Air India. 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.

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