New York, United States → San Francisco, United States · ✈ 5h 40min · 🚗 67h 6min
2,229 nautical miles · Time difference: -3h behind · Direction: southwest
The distance from New York to San Francisco is 4,129 km (2,566 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 5h 40min.
The straight-line distance from New York, United States to San Francisco, United States is approximately 4,129 kilometers (2,566 miles or 2,229 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 southwest of New York. New York is in North America, in the Northeast 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 | 4,129 km | ~5h 40min | Best option for speed |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from New York to San Francisco. For 4,129 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
New York is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 8,336,817. Located in the Northeast region, it is an important hub in North America. As one of the largest cities in United States, New York is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from New York
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
4,129 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
The 4,129 km between New York and San Francisco means a beam of light could travel this distance in approximately 13.8 milliseconds — but a flight still takes 5h 40min.
Despite both being in United States, New York and San Francisco are 4,129 km apart — a reminder of how vast the country is. Flying is the only practical option, and the journey likely involves crossing multiple climate zones and time zones.
See how the New York to San Francisco distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from New York to San Francisco is approximately 4,129 kilometers (2,566 miles, 2,229 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 5h 40min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 67h 6min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
San Francisco is approximately -3h behind compared to New York.
The estimated road distance is approximately 5,368 km, which is about 30% longer than the 4,129 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.