Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to Barcelona

2 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to El Prat Airport (BCN). It's 5,970 miles (9,608 km), about 11h 30m in the air. Operated by Iberia, United Airlines.

SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
BCN
El Prat Airport
🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain
Flight Time
11h 30m
Distance
5,970 mi
9,608 km
CO₂/pax
913 kg
−48 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Iberia +1
Time Diff
+9h
Operated by Iberia Iberia United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Iberia IB Iberia
Route
SFO → BCN
Flight Time
11h 30m
Distance
5,970 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SFO → BCN
Flight Time
11h 30m
Distance
5,970 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Francisco to Barcelona with one stop · direct emits 913 kg CO₂ per passenger

SFO YYC (Calgary) BCN
Leg 1: 2h 40m (1,020 mi) Leg 2: 9h 30m (4,998 mi) Total: ~12h 10m 🍃 961 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → YYC
2h 40m · 1,020 mi
View SFO to YYC flights →
Leg 2
YYC → BCN
9h 30m · 4,998 mi
View YYC to BCN flights →
SFO ORY (Paris) BCN
Leg 1: 10h 43m (5,592 mi) Leg 2: 1h 40m (513 mi) Total: ~12h 23m 🍃 975 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → ORY
10h 43m · 5,592 mi
View SFO to ORY flights →
Leg 2
ORY → BCN
1h 40m · 513 mi
View ORY to BCN flights →
SFO CDG (Paris) BCN
Leg 1: 10h 43m (5,584 mi) Leg 2: 1h 50m (532 mi) Total: ~12h 33m 🍃 977 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → CDG
10h 43m · 5,584 mi
View SFO to CDG flights →
Leg 2
CDG → BCN
1h 50m · 532 mi
View CDG to BCN flights →
SFO LHR (London) BCN
Leg 1: 10h 25m (5,368 mi) Leg 2: 2h 15m (712 mi) Total: ~12h 40m 🍃 978 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → LHR
10h 25m · 5,368 mi
View SFO to LHR flights →
Leg 2
LHR → BCN
2h 15m · 712 mi
View LHR to BCN flights →
SFO AMS (Amsterdam) BCN
Leg 1: 10h 25m (5,474 mi) Leg 2: 2h 15m (771 mi) Total: ~12h 40m 🍃 1005 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → AMS
10h 25m · 5,474 mi
View SFO to AMS flights →
Leg 2
AMS → BCN
2h 15m · 771 mi
View AMS to BCN flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Barcelona (BCN) takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes. The distance is 5,970 miles (9,608 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Barcelona?

2 airlines: Iberia, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Barcelona?

Yes. 2 airlines: Iberia, United Airlines.

How far is San Francisco from Barcelona?

The flight distance from San Francisco to Barcelona is 5,970 miles (9,608 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Tokyo.

What is the time difference between San Francisco and Barcelona?

Barcelona is 9 hours ahead of San Francisco. (America/Los_Angeles vs Europe/Madrid.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from San Francisco to Barcelona?

Probably — 9-hour time difference means significant jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying eastward is generally harder to adjust to.

What type of aircraft flies from San Francisco to Barcelona?

At 11h 30m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from USA to Spain?

Depends on your passport. Check with the Spain embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

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

Roughly 913 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,565 km.

Is the return flight from Barcelona to San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Barcelona?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. For long-haul, booking 2-3 months out tends to help. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at San Francisco International for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.