San Francisco, United States → Seattle, United States · ✈ 1h 52min · 🚗 17h 46min
590 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: north
The distance from San Francisco to Seattle is 1,093 km (679 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 52min.
The straight-line distance from San Francisco, United States to Seattle, United States is approximately 1,093 kilometers (679 miles or 590 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Seattle is located north of San Francisco. San Francisco is in North America, in the West Coast region of United States, while Seattle is in North America, in Pacific Northwest, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,093 km | ~1h 52min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,421 km | ~17h 46min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,312 km | ~10h 56min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from San Francisco to Seattle. For 1,093 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,421 km, fuel costs for driving from San Francisco to Seattle are approximately $114–$213 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 sits at 37.7749°N, 122.4194°W, while Seattle is located at 47.6062°N, 122.3321°W. The initial compass bearing from San Francisco to Seattle is 0° (N), so a great-circle flight path leaves San Francisco heading roughly N. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 9.83° and the longitude difference is 0.09°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between San Francisco and Seattle is approximately 42.6906°N, 122.3792°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 547 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
San Francisco and Seattle share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
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
Seattle is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 737,015. Situated in the Pacific Northwest region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Seattle is a popular destination in the Pacific Northwest region of United States, known for its unique character and attractions.
→ See all distances from Seattle
1,093 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.
At 1,093 km, the San Francisco-Seattle route is about 2.7% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 52min.
See how the San Francisco to Seattle distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from San Francisco to Seattle is approximately 1,093 kilometers (679 miles, 590 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 52min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 17h 46min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Seattle is approximately Same timezone compared to San Francisco.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,421 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,093 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.