Los Angeles, United States → San Francisco, United States · ✈ 1h 12min · 🚗 9h 5min
302 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: northwest
The distance from Los Angeles to San Francisco is 559 km (347 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 12min.
The straight-line distance from Los Angeles, United States to San Francisco, United States is approximately 559 kilometers (347 miles or 302 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
San Francisco is located northwest of Los Angeles. Los Angeles is in North America, in the West Coast region of United States, while San Francisco is in North America, in West Coast, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 559 km | ~1h 12min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~727 km | ~9h 5min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~671 km | ~5h 35min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco. For 559 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 727 km, fuel costs for driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco are approximately $58–$109 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Los Angeles is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 3,979,576. Located in the West Coast region, it is an important hub in North America. Los Angeles is a significant metropolitan area in United States with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Los Angeles
San Francisco is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 873,965. Situated in the West Coast region, it serves as a key destination in North America. San Francisco is a popular destination in the West Coast region of United States, known for its unique character and attractions.
→ See all distances from San Francisco
559 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 559 km, the Los Angeles-San Francisco route is about 1.4% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 12min.
California's most driven route. Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) adds 200 km but offers dramatic clifftop views. The inland I-5 is faster but less scenic.
See how the Los Angeles to San Francisco distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Los Angeles to San Francisco is approximately 559 kilometers (347 miles, 302 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 12min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 9h 5min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
San Francisco is approximately Same timezone compared to Los Angeles.
The estimated road distance is approximately 727 km, which is about 30% longer than the 559 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.