Direct (nonstop) flights from Washington to San Francisco

2 airlines fly nonstop from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to San Francisco International (SFO). It's 2,443 miles (3,931 km), about 6h 5m in the air. Operated by Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National
🇺🇸 Washington, USA
SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
Flight Time
6h 5m
Distance
2,443 mi
3,931 km
CO₂/pax
413 kg
−37 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Alaska Airlines +1
Time Diff
-3h
Operated by Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 31, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Alaska Airlines AS Alaska Airlines
Route
DCA → SFO
Flight Time
6h 5m
Distance
2,443 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
DCA → SFO
Flight Time
6h 5m
Distance
2,443 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Washington to San Francisco with one stop · direct emits 413 kg CO₂ per passenger

DCA MDW (Chicago) SFO
Leg 1: 2h (600 mi) Leg 2: 4h 35m (1,855 mi) Total: ~6h 35m 🍃 450 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → MDW
2h · 600 mi
View DCA to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → SFO
4h 35m · 1,855 mi
View MDW to SFO flights →
DCA CMH (Columbus) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 34m (322 mi) Leg 2: 5h 7m (2,121 mi) Total: ~6h 41m 🍃 443 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → CMH
1h 34m · 322 mi
View DCA to CMH flights →
Leg 2
CMH → SFO
5h 7m · 2,121 mi
View CMH to SFO flights →
DCA PIT (Pittsburgh) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 14m (205 mi) Leg 2: 5h 28m (2,253 mi) Total: ~6h 42m 🍃 444 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → PIT
1h 14m · 205 mi
View DCA to PIT flights →
Leg 2
PIT → SFO
5h 28m · 2,253 mi
View PIT to SFO flights →
DCA OMA (Omaha) SFO
Leg 1: 2h 55m (1,011 mi) Leg 2: 3h 50m (1,433 mi) Total: ~6h 45m 🍃 438 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → OMA
2h 55m · 1,011 mi
View DCA to OMA flights →
Leg 2
OMA → SFO
3h 50m · 1,433 mi
View OMA to SFO flights →
DCA CLE (Cleveland) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 31m (309 mi) Leg 2: 5h 17m (2,162 mi) Total: ~6h 48m 🍃 447 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → CLE
1h 31m · 309 mi
View DCA to CLE flights →
Leg 2
CLE → SFO
5h 17m · 2,162 mi
View CLE to SFO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Washington to San Francisco?

A nonstop flight from Washington (DCA) to San Francisco (SFO) takes approximately 6 hours and 5 minutes. The distance is 2,443 miles (3,931 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Washington to San Francisco?

2 airlines: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Washington to San Francisco?

Yes. 2 airlines: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is Washington from San Francisco?

The flight distance from Washington to San Francisco is 2,443 miles (3,931 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What type of aircraft flies from Washington to San Francisco?

At 6h 5m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Washington to San Francisco?

Roughly 413 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 2,065 km.

Is the return flight from San Francisco to Washington also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Washington to San Francisco?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.