Direct (nonstop) flights from San Francisco to Papeete

2 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Faa\\'a International (PPT). It's 4,187 miles (6,739 km), about 8h 40m in the air. Operated by French Bee, United Airlines.

SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
PPT
Faa\\'a International
🇵🇫 Papeete, French Polynesia
Flight Time
8h 40m
Distance
4,187 mi
6,739 km
CO₂/pax
640 kg
−73 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
French Bee +1
Time Diff
-3h
Operated by French Bee French Bee United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

French Bee BF French Bee
Route
SFO → PPT
Flight Time
8h 40m
Distance
4,187 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SFO → PPT
Flight Time
8h 40m
Distance
4,187 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Francisco to Papeete with one stop · direct emits 640 kg CO₂ per passenger

SFO LAX (Los Angeles) PPT
Leg 1: 1h 37m (337 mi) Leg 2: 8h 15m (4,095 mi) Total: ~9h 52m 🍃 713 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → LAX
1h 37m · 337 mi
View SFO to LAX flights →
Leg 2
LAX → PPT
8h 15m · 4,095 mi
View LAX to PPT flights →
SFO HNL (Honolulu) PPT
Leg 1: 5h 45m (2,397 mi) Leg 2: 5h 50m (2,731 mi) Total: ~11h 35m 🍃 848 kg CO₂ (+33% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → HNL
5h 45m · 2,397 mi
View SFO to HNL flights →
Leg 2
HNL → PPT
5h 50m · 2,731 mi
View HNL to PPT flights →
SFO AKL (Auckland) PPT
Leg 1: 12h 55m (6,516 mi) Leg 2: 4h 50m (2,544 mi) Total: ~17h 45m 🍃 1410 kg CO₂ (+120% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → AKL
12h 55m · 6,516 mi
View SFO to AKL flights →
Leg 2
AKL → PPT
4h 50m · 2,544 mi
View AKL to PPT flights →
SFO NRT (Tokyo) PPT
Leg 1: 11h 15m (5,123 mi) Leg 2: 10h 40m (5,863 mi) Total: ~21h 55m 🍃 1704 kg CO₂ (+166% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → NRT
11h 15m · 5,123 mi
View SFO to NRT flights →
Leg 2
NRT → PPT
10h 40m · 5,863 mi
View NRT to PPT flights →
SFO SYD (Sydney) PPT
Leg 1: 15h 5m (7,415 mi) Leg 2: 7h 15m (3,806 mi) Total: ~22h 20m 🍃 1741 kg CO₂ (+172% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SYD
15h 5m · 7,415 mi
View SFO to SYD flights →
Leg 2
SYD → PPT
7h 15m · 3,806 mi
View SYD to PPT flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Papeete (PPT) takes approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes. The distance is 4,187 miles (6,739 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Papeete?

2 airlines: French Bee, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Papeete?

Yes. 2 airlines: French Bee, United Airlines.

How far is San Francisco from Papeete?

The flight distance from San Francisco to Papeete is 4,187 miles (6,739 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Rome.

What is the time difference between San Francisco and Papeete?

Papeete is 3 hours behind San Francisco. (America/Los_Angeles vs Pacific/Tahiti.)

What type of aircraft flies from San Francisco to Papeete?

At 8h 40m, 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 French Polynesia?

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

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

Roughly 640 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 3,200 km.

Is the return flight from Papeete 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 Papeete?

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.