Distance from London Heathrow Airport to San Francisco International Airport
Great-circle distance, compass bearing and a transit estimate between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
initial heading from London Heathrow Airport
nonstop, airborne
About the London Heathrow Airport–San Francisco International Airport route
The great-circle (straight-line) distance from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in United Kingdom to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in United States is approximately 8,616 km — that is 4,652 nautical miles or 5,354 statute miles. The initial heading from London Heathrow Airport is about 316° (northwest).
A nonstop flight covering this distance is roughly 10h 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 London Heathrow 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 London Heathrow Airport from San Francisco International Airport?
The great-circle distance from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 8,616 km (4,652 nautical miles / 5,354 miles).
What direction is San Francisco International Airport from London Heathrow Airport?
Setting out from London Heathrow Airport, the initial bearing to San Francisco International Airport is about 316°, which is roughly northwest.
How long is the flight from London Heathrow Airport to San Francisco International Airport?
A nonstop flight is approximately 10h 21m airborne at a typical cruise speed. Published block times are usually somewhat longer.