Distance from Beijing Capital International Airport to San Francisco International Airport
Great-circle distance, compass bearing and a transit estimate between Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
initial heading from Beijing Capital International Airport
nonstop, airborne
About the Beijing Capital International Airport–San Francisco International Airport route
The great-circle (straight-line) distance from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in China to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in United States is approximately 9,494 km — that is 5,126 nautical miles or 5,899 statute miles. The initial heading from Beijing Capital International Airport is about 43° (northeast).
A nonstop flight covering this distance is roughly 11h 21m in the air, based on a typical jet cruise speed with an allowance for taxi, climb and descent. Scheduled block times are usually a little longer, and routings bend for winds, airspace and air-traffic flow.
How this is calculated
The distance is the great-circle (orthodromic) distance between the published coordinates of Beijing Capital International Airport and San Francisco International Airport — the shortest path over the Earth’s surface. Actual flight paths are longer, following airways, winds and airspace. Transit figures are planning approximations, not schedules.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Beijing Capital International Airport from San Francisco International Airport?
The great-circle distance from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 9,494 km (5,126 nautical miles / 5,899 miles).
What direction is San Francisco International Airport from Beijing Capital International Airport?
Setting out from Beijing Capital International Airport, the initial bearing to San Francisco International Airport is about 43°, which is roughly northeast.
How long is the flight from Beijing Capital International Airport to San Francisco International Airport?
A nonstop flight is approximately 11h 21m airborne at a typical cruise speed. Published block times are usually somewhat longer.