Distance

about 2,410 mi

Typical flight time

5 h – 6 h

Airports

3 × 3

Time difference

3 h ahead

This page covers the practical side of flying between San Francisco and Washington, DC: 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 Washington, DC is about 2,410 miles (3,880 km) and a typical flight takes 5 h to 6 h. Washington, DC is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco. San Francisco has 3 airports to compare and Washington, DC has 3.

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. The Washington area has three airports. Reagan National is closest to the city, Dulles handles more long-haul traffic, and BWI sits between Washington and Baltimore.

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.
• DCA · Ronald Reagan Washington National
  Closest to downtown and served by Metrorail.
• IAD · Washington Dulles International
  Farther out in Virginia, with the larger share of long-haul flights and a Metrorail Silver Line station.
• BWI · Baltimore/Washington International
  Between Baltimore and Washington, often competitive on price.

Airlines with a major base at either end

• At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
• At Washington, DC: United Airlines, American Airlines

United Airlines has a base at both ends, which can make nonstop service more likely. Schedules change, so a specialist confirms what actually operates 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.

Washington, DC

Spring is popular for cherry blossoms in late March and early April. Fall is pleasant, and summer is hot and humid.

How long is San Francisco to Washington, DC?

At about 2,410 miles, San Francisco to Washington, DC 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

Washington, DC 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.

Washington, DC: Metrorail serves Reagan National directly and Dulles through the Silver Line, which avoids a lot of traffic.

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.
• Reagan National has a perimeter rule that limits most nonstop flights to a certain distance, so longer routes often use Dulles or BWI.
• Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.

Flying Washington, DC to San Francisco?

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

Frequently asked questions

How far is San Francisco from Washington, DC?

The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 2,410 miles (3,880 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.

How long is a flight from San Francisco to Washington, DC?

A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 5 h to 6 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 Washington, DC: DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National), IAD (Washington Dulles International), BWI (Baltimore/Washington International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.

Is there a time difference?

Washington, DC is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco.

When is the best time to fly from San Francisco to Washington, DC?

In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. In Washington, DC: Spring is popular for cherry blossoms in late March and early April. Fall is pleasant, 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 Washington, DC?

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

Route details updated October 18, 2026.

Related routes