Distance

about 5,570 mi

Typical flight time

11 h 30 min – 12 h 30 min

Airports

3 × 2

Time difference

9 h ahead

This page covers the practical side of flying between San Francisco and Paris: 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 Paris is about 5,570 miles (8,960 km) and a typical flight takes 11 h 30 min to 12 h 30 min. Paris is 9 hours ahead of San Francisco. San Francisco has 3 airports to compare and Paris has 2.

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. Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle handles most long-haul traffic, while Orly is south of the city.

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.
• CDG · Charles de Gaulle
  The main international airport, northeast of the city, with a direct RER train.
• ORY · Orly
  South of the city, used for many European and some intercontinental routes.

Airlines with a major base at either end

• At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines

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.

Paris

April to June and September to October are popular and comfortable. August is quieter in some neighborhoods as many residents travel, and the winter holiday season brings markets and crowds.

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 Paris?

At about 5,570 miles, San Francisco to Paris 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

Paris is 9 hours ahead of San Francisco, so you land at a local time 9 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.

Paris: RER line B connects Charles de Gaulle with central Paris, and tram and rail links serve Orly.

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 EU is introducing new entry systems for visitors, so check official EU guidance for current requirements.
• 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 Paris to San Francisco?

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

Frequently asked questions

How far is San Francisco from Paris?

The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 5,570 miles (8,960 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.

How long is a flight from San Francisco to Paris?

A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 11 h 30 min to 12 h 30 min 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 Paris: CDG (Charles de Gaulle), ORY (Orly). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.

Is there a time difference?

Paris is 9 hours ahead of San Francisco.

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

In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. In Paris: April to June and September to October are popular and comfortable. August is quieter in some neighborhoods as many residents travel, and the winter holiday season brings markets and crowds. 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 Paris?

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