Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to London
3 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Heathrow (LHR). It's 5,368 miles (8,639 km), about 10h 25m in the air. Operated by British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
British Airways
United Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
Route data last updated: May 27, 2026
Airlines with non-stop flights
BA
British Airways
UA
United Airlines
VS
Virgin Atlantic
Alternative Routes
Other ways to fly from San Francisco to London with one stop · direct emits 821 kg CO₂ per passenger
Looking for the return flight?
LHR → SFO: Flights from London to San FranciscoOther direct flights from San Francisco
Direct flights from London (LHR)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the direct flight from San Francisco to London?
A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR) takes approximately 10 hours and 25 minutes. The distance is 5,368 miles (8,639 km).
Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to London?
3 airlines: British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to London?
Yes. 3 airlines: British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
How far is San Francisco from London?
The flight distance from San Francisco to London is 5,368 miles (8,639 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 London?
London is 8 hours ahead of San Francisco. (America/Los_Angeles vs Europe/London.)
Will I experience jet lag flying from San Francisco to London?
Probably — 8-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 London?
At 10h 25m, 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 United Kingdom?
Depends on your passport. Check with the United Kingdom embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.
What is the carbon footprint of a flight from San Francisco to London?
Roughly 821 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,105 km.
Is the return flight from London 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 London?
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.