Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tokyo: what you need to know
Hop on a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo and you'll be in the air for around 9 hours 36 minutes.
San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco. Operating on the UTC+9 timezone, Tokyo is 16 hours ahead of San Francisco.
With 75 weekly flights between the two airports, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Narita International Airport (NRT) is the busiest route. United operates the earliest flight at 10:40. If you prefer to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last flight from SFO to NRT is with Zipair at 17:15.
To ensure you catch your flight from SFO to Tokyo, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Peak months like August or holiday periods such as Christmas and New Year will mean longer lines at check-in and security. Travelling then? Play it safe and head to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and up four hours ahead of an international flight is wise.
You can book a nonstop flight from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo. Begin your journey at SFO and end it at Haneda Airport (HND).
There's a range of carriers that operate direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo, such as:
We make it a breeze to plan a flight from SFO to Tokyo that includes a stopover. To see all your options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
If you have a passport from United States and want to travel to Japan for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, visa and entry requirements may vary based on the duration of your stay and can be subject to change. For the latest rules, check with your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before reserving a cheap ticket from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo.
Located around 21 kilometres from the centre of San Francisco, SFO can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The same journey on public transport is roughly 47 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your holiday? Stay near SFO. Whether you're taking an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tokyo
260 € is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo. Return flights start at 518 €. These fares can change depending on demand.
Book 1 month before travelling. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from SFO to Tokyo.
September is the cheapest month for tickets from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. You'll get notified straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you from checking for cheap tickets from SFO to Tokyo every day.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo. Simply enter your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
Airports in Tokyo
Haneda Airport (HND)
Haneda Airport (HND) to central Tokyo is roughly 16 kilometres. It takes about 16 minutes to get to the centre driving.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo. Check in to one of these accommodation options near HND instead:
Narita International Airport (NRT)
The centre of Tokyo is about 64 kilometres from Narita International Airport (NRT). After your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 58 minutes.
After your flight from SFO to Tokyo, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to NRT. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Tokyo
June is the most popular month to catch a flight from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo while February is the quietest. To work out the best time to go to Tokyo, consider the pace you like to travel at.
The warmest month in Tokyo is August, with the temperature ranging between 26ºC and 29ºC. Book your flights from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap flights from SFO to Tokyo in February if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 15ºC and 20ºC on average.
More about Tokyo
Start your Tokyo trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo, check out our range of accommodation options including:
Tokyo Tower and Senso-ji Temple Yogodo are just two of the major attractions to add to your Tokyo to-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Mag's Park Rooftop Shibuya Crossing.
Complete your Tokyo trip with a car rental
Select one of our car rentals in Tokyo and see the sights on your own schedule. Easily compare companies in one go to find the perfect set of wheels once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport to Tokyo.