Seattle, United States → San Francisco, United States · ✈ 1h 52min · 🚗 17h 46min
590 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: south
The distance from Seattle to San Francisco 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 Seattle, United States to San Francisco, 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.
San Francisco is located south of Seattle. Seattle is in North America, in the Pacific Northwest 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 | 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 Seattle to San Francisco. 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 Seattle to San Francisco 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.
Seattle is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 737,015. Located in the Pacific Northwest region, it is an important hub in North America. Despite its smaller size, Seattle plays an important regional role in United States and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from Seattle
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.
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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 Seattle-San Francisco route is about 2.7% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 52min.
See how the Seattle to San Francisco distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Seattle to San Francisco 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.
San Francisco is approximately Same timezone compared to Seattle.
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: April 7, 2026.