Flights from San Francisco to Tokyo
SFO is United's Pacific hub for Japan routes. Compare ANA, United Polaris, and Japan Airlines business class on this 10-hour Pacific crossing.
Economy (roundtrip)
USD $900
typical fare
Premium Economy
USD $1,700
typical fare
Business Class
USD $2,800
typical fare
Airlines Operating This Route
- United Airlines
- ANA
- Japan Airlines
- Korean Air (via Seoul)
- Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong)
- Air Canada (via Vancouver)
Key Facts About This Route
- United Airlines is the primary US carrier on SFO–NRT with its Polaris Business Class product
- ANA and Japan Airlines offer superior business class products on select SFO–Tokyo services
- Flight time is approximately 10–11 hours nonstop
- San Francisco's Bay Area has one of the USA's largest Japanese-American and Japanese-expat communities
- United Polaris lounge at SFO is one of the best US carrier lounges for Pacific travelers
Booking Timing Guide
Book 10–14 weeks ahead. Cherry blossom (late March–April) and autumn (October–November) are peak. January–February is the best value window.
Peak travel months:
- Price verified before payment — no surprises at checkout
- Human specialist support — not chatbots
- Proactive disruption rescue if connections fail
- Dual-provider search for best available fares
- North America specialist — USA and Canada origin
Frequently Asked Questions
ANA The Room (available on select SFO–NRT flights) is the best business class product on this route — fully enclosed suite with direct aisle access. United Polaris is the most frequently available US carrier option. Japan Airlines Sky Suite is excellent. The best choice depends on scheduling and price on a specific date.
Nonstop from SFO to NRT (Narita) takes approximately 10–11 hours. SFO to HND (Haneda) is similar. Connecting options via Seoul or Hong Kong add 3–5 hours.