Distance

about 2,250 mi

Typical flight time

4 h 45 min – 5 h 45 min

Airports

3 × 2

Time difference

3 h ahead

This page covers the practical side of flying between San Francisco and Toronto: 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 Toronto is about 2,250 miles (3,620 km) and a typical flight takes 4 h 45 min to 5 h 45 min. Toronto is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco. San Francisco has 3 airports to compare and Toronto 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. Toronto has a large main airport west of downtown and a small island airport close to the city center.

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.
• YYZ · Toronto Pearson International
  The main airport, west of downtown, with a direct express train.
• YTZ · Billy Bishop Toronto City
  A small airport on the waterfront close to downtown.

Airlines with a major base at either end

• At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
• At Toronto: Air Canada

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.

Toronto

Summer and early fall are the most popular. Winters are cold and snowy, and flights can be delayed by weather.

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 Toronto?

At about 2,250 miles, San Francisco to Toronto is a long domestic-style flight of several hours. Meal options, seat choice and baggage rules matter more on a trip this long, so compare the full total rather than just the base fare.

Time zones and timing

Toronto is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco, so you land at a local time 3 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.

Getting between the airport and town

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

Toronto: The UP Express train runs between Pearson and Union Station in roughly 25 minutes.

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.
• U.S. citizens need a passport to fly to Canada. Check entry requirements before you travel.
• International travel: check passport, visa and entry rules well before you pay. See our international checklist.
• U.S. citizens need a passport to fly to Canada. Check entry requirements before you travel.
• Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.

Flying Toronto to San Francisco?

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

Frequently asked questions

How far is San Francisco from Toronto?

The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 2,250 miles (3,620 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.

How long is a flight from San Francisco to Toronto?

A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 4 h 45 min to 5 h 45 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 Toronto: YYZ (Toronto Pearson International), YTZ (Billy Bishop Toronto City). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.

Is there a time difference?

Toronto is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco.

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

In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. In Toronto: Summer and early fall are the most popular. Winters are cold and snowy, and flights can be delayed by weather. 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 Toronto?

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