Flight times, frequencies, and airlines operating this route change regularly. Always check current schedules and fares directly with airlines or a booking platform.
Route Overview
The San Francisco to New York route is one of the premier transcontinental routes in the United States, connecting two of America's most iconic cities. United Airlines operates a major hub at SFO and offers frequent daily service to all three New York area airports. JetBlue and American Airlines also offer competitive service on this route.
Travel Tips
JFK is the preferred arrival airport for most visitors to Manhattan, with AirTrain connections to the subway and LIRR.
EWR (Newark) is a United Airlines hub and can offer competitive fares, with NJ Transit connections to Penn Station.
The flight is approximately 5.75 hours eastbound — consider booking a lie-flat business class seat for overnight flights.
Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) can offer cheaper fares than SFO, with BART connections to San Francisco.
Book early for summer and holiday periods when this route is extremely popular.
Getting to/from San Francisco
From JFK: AirTrain to Jamaica LIRR, then LIRR to Penn Station (approximately 30 minutes total). From EWR: AirTrain to Newark Penn Station, then NJ Transit to New York Penn Station. From LGA: M60 bus to subway.
Getting to/from New York
From JFK: AirTrain to Jamaica LIRR, then LIRR to Penn Station (approximately 30 minutes total). From EWR: AirTrain to Newark Penn Station, then NJ Transit to New York Penn Station. From LGA: M60 bus to subway.
Route Facts
- Primary Route
- SFO → JFK
- Flight Time
- Approximately 5 hours 45 minutes eastbound; approximately 6 hours 15 minutes westbound
- Distance
- Approximately 2,572 miles (4,139 km)