Route guide
Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Tokyo: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 5,150 mi
- Typical flight time
- 10 h 30 min – 11 h 30 min
- Airports
- 3 × 2
- Time difference
- 16–17 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between San Francisco and Tokyo: 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 Tokyo is about 5,150 miles (8,290 km) and a typical flight takes 10 h 30 min to 11 h 30 min. In winter, Tokyo is 17 hours ahead of San Francisco; in summer, Tokyo is 16 hours ahead of San Francisco. The gap changes because of daylight saving time. San Francisco has 3 airports to compare and Tokyo 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. Tokyo has two main airports: Haneda is close to the city center, and Narita is farther out but well connected by train.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| SFO to HND | San Francisco International | Haneda |
| SFO to NRT | San Francisco International | Narita International |
| OAK to HND | Oakland International | Haneda |
| OAK to NRT | Oakland International | Narita International |
| SJC to HND | San Jose Mineta International | Haneda |
| SJC to NRT | San Jose Mineta International | Narita International |
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. - HND · Haneda
Close to central Tokyo and convenient for most visitors. - NRT · Narita International
Farther out in Chiba, with fast train links to the city.
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.
Tokyo
Late March to early April is the peak cherry blossom season, and autumn is also popular. Golden Week in late April and early May is very busy, and summer is hot and humid.
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 Tokyo?
At about 5,150 miles, San Francisco to Tokyo 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, Tokyo is 16 to 17 hours ahead of San Francisco, so you land at a local time 16 to 17 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.
Tokyo: Rail and airport limousine buses link both airports to the city.
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. Japan's entry rules depend on your citizenship and trip length, so check the official guidance.
- 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 Tokyo to San Francisco?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from San Francisco or all flights from Tokyo.
Frequently asked questions
How far is San Francisco from Tokyo?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 5,150 miles (8,290 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from San Francisco to Tokyo?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 10 h 30 min to 11 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 Tokyo: HND (Haneda), NRT (Narita International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
In winter, Tokyo is 17 hours ahead of San Francisco; in summer, Tokyo is 16 hours ahead of San Francisco. The gap changes because of daylight saving time.
When is the best time to fly from San Francisco to Tokyo?
In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. In Tokyo: Late March to early April is the peak cherry blossom season, and autumn is also popular. Golden Week in late April and early May is very busy, and summer is hot and humid. 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 Tokyo?
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.