Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to Tokyo

4 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT). It's 5,123 miles (8,244 km), about 11h 15m in the air. Operated by JAL, ANA, United Airlines and others.

SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
NRT
Narita International Airport
🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan
Flight Time
11h 15m
Distance
5,123 mi
8,244 km
CO₂/pax
783 kg
−104 kg vs. layover
Airlines
4
JAL +3
Time Diff
+16h
Operated by JAL JAL ANA ANA United Airlines United Airlines Zipair Tokyo Zipair Tokyo

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

JAL JL JAL
Route
SFO → NRT
Flight Time
11h 15m
Distance
5,123 mi
ANA NH ANA
Route
SFO → NRT
Flight Time
11h 15m
Distance
5,123 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SFO → NRT
Flight Time
11h 15m
Distance
5,123 mi
Zipair Tokyo ZG Zipair Tokyo
Route
SFO → NRT
Flight Time
11h 15m
Distance
5,123 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Francisco to Tokyo with one stop · direct emits 783 kg CO₂ per passenger

SFO YVR (Vancouver) NRT
Leg 1: 2h 25m (800 mi) Leg 2: 10h (4,673 mi) Total: ~12h 25m 🍃 887 kg CO₂ (+13% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → YVR
2h 25m · 800 mi
View SFO to YVR flights →
Leg 2
YVR → NRT
10h · 4,673 mi
View YVR to NRT flights →
SFO SEA (Seattle) NRT
Leg 1: 2h 19m (678 mi) Leg 2: 10h 15m (4,768 mi) Total: ~12h 34m 🍃 879 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SEA
2h 19m · 678 mi
View SFO to SEA flights →
Leg 2
SEA → NRT
10h 15m · 4,768 mi
View SEA to NRT flights →
SFO YYC (Calgary) NRT
Leg 1: 2h 40m (1,020 mi) Leg 2: 10h 35m (4,949 mi) Total: ~13h 15m 🍃 954 kg CO₂ (+22% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → YYC
2h 40m · 1,020 mi
View SFO to YYC flights →
Leg 2
YYC → NRT
10h 35m · 4,949 mi
View YYC to NRT flights →
SFO LAX (Los Angeles) NRT
Leg 1: 1h 37m (337 mi) Leg 2: 11h 45m (5,451 mi) Total: ~13h 22m 🍃 920 kg CO₂ (+17% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → LAX
1h 37m · 337 mi
View SFO to LAX flights →
Leg 2
LAX → NRT
11h 45m · 5,451 mi
View LAX to NRT flights →
SFO SAN (San Diego) NRT
Leg 1: 1h 44m (446 mi) Leg 2: 11h 53m (5,556 mi) Total: ~13h 37m 🍃 957 kg CO₂ (+22% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SAN
1h 44m · 446 mi
View SFO to SAN flights →
Leg 2
SAN → NRT
11h 53m · 5,556 mi
View SAN to NRT flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo (NRT) takes approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes. The distance is 5,123 miles (8,244 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Tokyo?

4 airlines: JAL, ANA, United Airlines, Zipair Tokyo.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Tokyo?

Yes. 4 airlines: JAL, ANA, United Airlines, Zipair Tokyo.

How far is San Francisco from Tokyo?

The flight distance from San Francisco to Tokyo is 5,123 miles (8,244 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 Tokyo?

Tokyo is 16 hours ahead of San Francisco. (America/Los_Angeles vs Asia/Tokyo.)

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

Probably — 16-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 Tokyo?

At 11h 15m, 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 Japan?

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

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

Roughly 783 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 3,915 km.

Is the return flight from Tokyo 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 Tokyo?

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.