Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to Washington

2 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). It's 2,443 miles (3,931 km), about 5h 21m in the air. Operated by Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National
🇺🇸 Washington, USA
Flight Time
5h 21m
Distance
2,443 mi
3,931 km
CO₂/pax
413 kg
−38 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 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Alaska Airlines AS Alaska Airlines
Route
SFO → DCA
Flight Time
5h 21m
Distance
2,443 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SFO → DCA
Flight Time
5h 21m
Distance
2,443 mi

Alternative Routes

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

SFO STL (Saint Louis) DCA
Leg 1: 3h 55m (1,735 mi) Leg 2: 2h (719 mi) Total: ~5h 55m 🍃 451 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → STL
3h 55m · 1,735 mi
View SFO to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → DCA
2h · 719 mi
View STL to DCA flights →
SFO MDW (Chicago) DCA
Leg 1: 4h 10m (1,855 mi) Leg 2: 1h 50m (600 mi) Total: ~6h 🍃 450 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → MDW
4h 10m · 1,855 mi
View SFO to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → DCA
1h 50m · 600 mi
View MDW to DCA flights →
SFO MCI (Kansas City) DCA
Leg 1: 3h 38m (1,499 mi) Leg 2: 2h 25m (949 mi) Total: ~6h 3m 🍃 438 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → MCI
3h 38m · 1,499 mi
View SFO to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → DCA
2h 25m · 949 mi
View MCI to DCA flights →
SFO OMA (Omaha) DCA
Leg 1: 3h 34m (1,433 mi) Leg 2: 2h 30m (1,011 mi) Total: ~6h 4m 🍃 438 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → OMA
3h 34m · 1,433 mi
View SFO to OMA flights →
Leg 2
OMA → DCA
2h 30m · 1,011 mi
View OMA to DCA flights →
SFO CVG (Cincinnati) DCA
Leg 1: 4h 31m (2,037 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (410 mi) Total: ~6h 6m 🍃 445 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → CVG
4h 31m · 2,037 mi
View SFO to CVG flights →
Leg 2
CVG → DCA
1h 35m · 410 mi
View CVG to DCA flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Washington (DCA) takes approximately 5 hours and 21 minutes. The distance is 2,443 miles (3,931 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Washington?

2 airlines: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Washington?

Yes. 2 airlines: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is San Francisco from Washington?

The flight distance from San Francisco to Washington 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 San Francisco to Washington?

At 5h 21m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

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

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

Is the return flight from Washington 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 Washington?

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 San Francisco International for this flight?

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