San Francisco, United States → Los Angeles, United States · ✈ 1h 12min · 🚗 9h 5min
302 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: southeast
The distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles 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 San Francisco, United States to Los Angeles, 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.
Los Angeles is located southeast of San Francisco. San Francisco is in North America, in the West Coast region of United States, while Los Angeles 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 San Francisco to Los Angeles. 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 San Francisco to Los Angeles 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.
San Francisco is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 873,965. Located in the West Coast region, it is an important hub in North America. Despite its smaller size, San Francisco plays an important regional role in United States and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from San Francisco
Los Angeles is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 3,979,576. Situated in the West Coast region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Los Angeles offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in United States.
→ See all distances from Los Angeles
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 San Francisco-Los Angeles 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 San Francisco to Los Angeles distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles 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.
Los Angeles is approximately Same timezone compared to San Francisco.
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.