Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to Melbourne

1 airline flys nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Melbourne International (MEL). It's 7,854 miles (12,639 km), about 15h 55m in the air. Operated by United Airlines.

SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
MEL
Melbourne International
🇦🇺 Melbourne, Australia
Flight Time
15h 55m
Distance
7,854 mi
12,639 km
CO₂/pax
1201 kg
−39 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
United Airlines
Time Diff
+17h
Operated by United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SFO → MEL
Flight Time
15h 55m
Distance
7,854 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Francisco to Melbourne with one stop · direct emits 1201 kg CO₂ per passenger

SFO SYD (Sydney) MEL
Leg 1: 15h 5m (7,415 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (439 mi) Total: ~16h 40m 🍃 1240 kg CO₂ (+3% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SYD
15h 5m · 7,415 mi
View SFO to SYD flights →
Leg 2
SYD → MEL
1h 35m · 439 mi
View SYD to MEL flights →
SFO BNE (Brisbane) MEL
Leg 1: 14h 20m (7,063 mi) Leg 2: 2h 25m (856 mi) Total: ~16h 45m 🍃 1263 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → BNE
14h 20m · 7,063 mi
View SFO to BNE flights →
Leg 2
BNE → MEL
2h 25m · 856 mi
View BNE to MEL flights →
SFO AKL (Auckland) MEL
Leg 1: 12h 55m (6,516 mi) Leg 2: 4h (1,642 mi) Total: ~16h 55m 🍃 1298 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → AKL
12h 55m · 6,516 mi
View SFO to AKL flights →
Leg 2
AKL → MEL
4h · 1,642 mi
View AKL to MEL flights →
SFO NAN (Nadi) MEL
Leg 1: 11h 25m (5,456 mi) Leg 2: 5h 50m (2,403 mi) Total: ~17h 15m 🍃 1265 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → NAN
11h 25m · 5,456 mi
View SFO to NAN flights →
Leg 2
NAN → MEL
5h 50m · 2,403 mi
View NAN to MEL flights →
SFO ADL (Adelaide) MEL
Leg 1: 15h 55m (8,069 mi) Leg 2: 1h 20m (399 mi) Total: ~17h 15m 🍃 1333 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → ADL
15h 55m · 8,069 mi
View SFO to ADL flights →
Leg 2
ADL → MEL
1h 20m · 399 mi
View ADL to MEL flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Melbourne (MEL) takes approximately 15 hours and 55 minutes. The distance is 7,854 miles (12,639 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Melbourne?

Just United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Melbourne?

Yes. 1 airline: United Airlines.

How far is San Francisco from Melbourne?

The flight distance from San Francisco to Melbourne is 7,854 miles (12,639 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne is 17 hours ahead of San Francisco. (America/Los_Angeles vs Australia/Sydney.)

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

Probably — 17-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 Melbourne?

At 15h 55m, 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 Australia?

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

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

Roughly 1201 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 6,005 km.

Is the return flight from Melbourne 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 Melbourne?

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.