flight_takeoff SFO → LHR

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to London

Compare fares on the ultra-long-haul flight from San Francisco to London — a northeastbound route of about 5,354 miles, typically flown nonstop in around 11h 10m.

straighten

Distance

5,354 mi

8,616 km

schedule

Est. flight time

11h 10m

nonstop

flight

Nonstop service

Available

10 carriers

language

Time difference

8 hours ahead

London

Flying from San Francisco to London

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) cover roughly 5,354 miles (8,616 km) on a northeastbound heading, a nonstop flight of about 11h 10m. The route crosses 8 time zones — London is 8 hours ahead of San Francisco. It's a competitive route served by 10 airlines. As an international route, make sure your passport is valid and allow extra time for customs and immigration on arrival.

Lets Fly Travel compares live fares across hundreds of airlines to find the best deal on this route — and every booking is reviewed by a real travel agent before ticketing.

Airlines on this route

Carriers that have operated nonstop service between SFO and LHR include:

flightAir New Zealand flightAmerican Airlines flightBritish Airways flightDelta Air Lines flightFinnair flightIberia Airlines flightLufthansa Cargo flightTransaero Airlines

Airline availability and fares change over time — search your dates for current options.

Best time to fly San Francisco to London

Fare patterns and travel conditions vary by season. Here's what to expect on the SFO–LHR route throughout the year.

Jan–Feb

Winter is often off-peak for London — expect fewer crowds and lower fares on the SFO–LHR route. Book early for spring breaks.

Mar–May

Spring brings pleasant weather to many destinations. Fares on the San Francisco–London route can spike around school holidays — compare a few nearby dates.

Jun–Aug

Peak summer travel season. San Francisco to London fares are typically at their highest. Book at least 6–8 weeks ahead and consider mid-week departures.

Sep–Oct

Shoulder season is often the sweet spot: good weather, thinner crowds, and more competitive fares on the SFO–LHR route.

Nov–Dec

Thanksgiving and Christmas drive fare spikes. If you're flying San Francisco to London for the holidays, book as early as possible.

flight_land Arriving at

London Heathrow Airport

London is served by London Heathrow Airport (IATA: LHR , ICAO: EGLL). The airport is located in United Kingdom. As an international arrival, allow additional time for customs and immigration.

IATA Code

LHR

Flight Time

~11h 10m

Distance

5,354 mi

tips_and_updates Arrival tips

  • ›Check in online to save time at the airport.
  • ›Arrive 3 hours before departure.
  • ›Carry a valid passport and check visa requirements.
  • ›Compare fares across several nearby dates for best value.

San Francisco to London — FAQs

How long is the flight from San Francisco to London? expand_more
A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR) takes approximately 11h 10m, covering a distance of about 5354 miles (8616 km). Actual flight time varies with aircraft, routing and winds.
Which airlines fly from San Francisco to London? expand_more
Airlines that have operated nonstop service on the SFO–LHR route include Air New Zealand, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Finnair, Iberia Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo, Transaero Airlines. Use our search to compare current carriers, schedules and fares.
Is there a nonstop flight from San Francisco to London? expand_more
Yes. The SFO–LHR route has nonstop service. Nonstop availability can vary by season and day of week, so check live results for your dates.
How far is London from San Francisco? expand_more
The distance from San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR) is about 5354 miles (8616 km) as the crow flies.
What is the time difference between San Francisco and London? expand_more
London is 8 hours ahead of San Francisco. Factor the time change into your arrival and connection planning.
When is the best time to book flights from San Francisco to London? expand_more
For international trips like San Francisco to London, booking roughly 2–6 months ahead and flying mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) tends to surface the lowest fares. Set up a search early and compare a few date options.
Do I need a passport to fly from San Francisco to London? expand_more
Yes. Flights from San Francisco to London are international, so you'll need a valid passport — and possibly a visa, depending on your nationality and London's entry requirements. Check the destination's current entry rules before you travel.

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