Direct (nonstop) flights from London to San Francisco
3 airlines fly nonstop from Heathrow (LHR) to San Francisco International (SFO). It's 5,368 miles (8,639 km), about 11h 5m 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 London to San Francisco with one stop · direct emits 821 kg CO₂ per passenger
Looking for the return flight?
SFO → LHR: Flights from San Francisco to LondonOther direct flights from London
Direct flights from San Francisco (SFO)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the direct flight from London to San Francisco?
A nonstop flight from London (LHR) to San Francisco (SFO) takes approximately 11 hours and 5 minutes. The distance is 5,368 miles (8,639 km).
Which airlines fly nonstop from London to San Francisco?
3 airlines: British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
Is there a nonstop flight from London to San Francisco?
Yes. 3 airlines: British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
How far is London from San Francisco?
The flight distance from London to San Francisco 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 London and San Francisco?
San Francisco is 8 hours behind London. (Europe/London vs America/Los_Angeles.)
Will I experience jet lag flying from London to San Francisco?
Probably — 8-hour time difference means significant jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying westward is generally easier to adjust to.
What type of aircraft flies from London to San Francisco?
At 11h 5m, 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 United Kingdom to USA?
Depends on your passport. Check with the USA embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.
What is the carbon footprint of a flight from London to San Francisco?
Roughly 821 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,105 km.
Is the return flight from San Francisco to London 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 London to San Francisco?
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 Heathrow for this flight?
3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.