Vietnam Airlines operates flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Japan with well-arranged connecting flights with a flight time of from 24 hours 15 minutes (approximately 8,246km). With ticket prices starting from USD 1,713, passengers will enjoy synchronized service, reasonable flight times, and seamless experiences. This article will provide you with detailed information about the journey, travel procedures, and distinctive destinations!
1. Detailed Information on the Flight From San Francisco to Japan
The journey from San Francisco to Japan with Vietnam Airlines currently does not operate direct flight from SFO to Japan. However, connecting flights to Japan from SFO are arranged reasonably, helping to optimize travel time while ensuring a seamless experience.
- Distance: From 8,246 - 9,078km (depending on the destination airport).
- Average SFC to Japan flight time: About 24 hours 15 minutes - 41 hours 10 minutes (including transit time).
- Flight frequency: 1 - 2 flights/route/day; 1 - 4 days/week (depending on destination).
Departure Information
Departure |
San Francisco |
Airport Name |
San Francisco International Airport |
Airport Code |
SFO |
Terminal |
Terminal I |
Location |
San Francisco, CA 94128, USA |
Transit Information
|
Distance |
Flight Time (*) |
Flight Frequency (*) |
San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Narita Tokyo (SFO → SGN → NRT) |
~8,246km |
24 hours 15 minutes - 41 hours 10 minutes |
2 flights/day; 4 days/week |
San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Haneda Tokyo (SFO → SGN → HND) |
~8.304km |
40 hours 20 minutes |
1 flight/day; 4 days/week |
San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Fukuoka (SFO → SGN → FUK) |
~9,078km |
40 hours 45 minutes |
1 flight/day; 1 - 2 days/week |
San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Nagoya (SFO → SGN → NGO) |
~8,510km |
40 hours 40 minutes |
1 flight/day; 1 - 3 days/week |
San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Osaka (SFO → SGN → KIX) |
~8,711km |
40 hours 30 minutes |
1 flight/day; 1 - 4 days/week |
Arrival Airport
Arrival Airport |
Airport Code |
Terminal |
Location |
Narita International Airport |
NRT |
Terminal 1 |
1-1 Furugome, Narita, Chiba, Japan |
Haneda International Airport (Tokyo) |
HND |
Terminal 0 |
Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo, Japan |
Fukuoka Airport |
FUK |
Terminal 1 |
778-1 Shimousui, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Japan |
Nagoya Airport |
NGO |
Terminal 1 |
Toyoyama, Nishikasugai District, Aichi, Japan |
Kansai International Airport (Osaka) |
KIX |
Terminal 1 |
3 Hotarugaike Nishimachi, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan |
Note:
(*) Flight times presented are for reference and may change depending on connecting options and operating conditions at transit airports.
(**) Ticket prices fluctuate according to booking time, seat availability on each flight, and season.
2. Transportation Instruction When Flying From San Francisco to Japan
Flights from San Francisco to Japan are long journeys with multiple stopover options. To optimize the experience, passengers need to understand how to travel efficiently according to the suggestions below:
2.1. How to Get to San Francisco Airport?
Transportation |
Travel Instructions |
Cost* |
Bus |
Several bus routes serve SFO airport (routes from the SamTrans system such as routes 292 and KX). |
From USD 3 - USD 5 |
BART Train (Bay Area Rapid Transit) |
Take the yellow line of the BART system to travel from downtown to San Francisco Airport. |
From USD 8 - USD 11, depending on the departure station |
Taxi |
Taxis operate regularly in the downtown area, with travel time to the airport ranging from 20 to 40 minutes. |
Around USD 55 - USD 70 |
2.2. How to Get From Narita Airport to The City Center?
Destination Airport |
Transportation Options - Travel Time - Cost |
Narita (Tokyo) |
|
Haneda (Tokyo) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. 4 Tips When Taking A Flight From San Francisco to Japan
Flights from San Francisco to Japan have long travel times, which can easily cause fatigue and affect health without proper preparation. Here are 4 important notes to help the journey proceed smoothly and more efficiently:
3.1. Find Best Deals on the Vietnam Airlines Website
Vietnam Airlines is currently applying many incentives exclusively for passengers booking online for Japan flight from SFO such as:
- Temporary hold program: Vietnam Airlines implements a ticket price hold service for 2 - 3 days from the time of booking, with a reasonable fee of about USD 10/person (~JPY 1,499), applicable when booking 7 - 14 days in advance.
- Special online offers: When booking tickets through the official website or Vietnam Airlines mobile app, passengers looking for cheap flights from SFO to Japan have the opportunity to receive exclusive deals such as direct discounts, free ticket issuance, or payment promotions when using e-wallets and bank transfers.
- Lotusmiles Program: Become a member of the Lotusmiles loyalty program to accumulate flight miles after each journey, receive additional benefits such as service upgrades and increased free baggage allowance.
3.2. Upgrade to Large Seats
With journeys lasting more than a day and at least one connection, sitting for long periods can easily cause fatigue and difficulty resting. Upgrading to premium economy or business class significantly improves the flight experience with spacious areas, deep-reclining seats, and comfortable legroom. Or you can also consider the Sky Sofa service to purchase two additional empty seats beside you.
3.3. Bring All Required Documents
Passengers need to ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months and bring necessary documents such as round-trip tickets, accommodation confirmation, and visa if required. To ensure the travel process is not interrupted, passengers should store both printed and electronic copies on personal devices.
3.4. Well-Prepared for Check-in
To ensure the check-in process proceeds quickly and according to procedures, passengers should note some of the following support options:
- Passengers who are Elite-level Lotusmiles members are allowed to use business class check-in counters, even when flying in economy class.
- Vietnam Airlines allows passengers to check in online 24 hours - 1 hour before departure time, helping to reduce waiting time.
- Self-service kiosks at the airport support passengers in completing procedures quickly, however, some international connecting flights will not support this service.
4. TOP 20+ of The Best Destinations You Must Visit When Arriving in Japan
Each major city in Japan has distinctive destinations for culture, architecture, and cuisine, providing rich experiences for international visitors. Below is a compilation of some famous places you shouldn't miss:
City |
Destination |
Tokyo |
|
Osaka |
|
Fukuoka |
|
Nagoya |
|
Kyoto |
|
5. Frequently Asked Questions about the Flight From SFO to Japan
Before departure, passengers often have many concerns related to transit baggage, travel duration, ticket prices, and when to arrive at the airport. The content below will answer all these questions:
5.1. Do I Need to Recheck Baggage If I Have a Connecting Flight in Vietnam?
In cases where passengers fly the entire journey with Vietnam Airlines, checked baggage will be transferred directly to the final destination in Japan. You do not need to collect baggage again at the transit point in Vietnam, except for a few special cases that will be announced by the airline.
5.2. How Long Is A Flight From SFO to Japan?
Flight time from San Francisco to Japan ranges from 24 hours 15 minutes to over 41 hours 10 minutes (depending on the destination airport). The flight includes one transit in Ho Chi Minh City.
5.3. Are There Any Seasonal Price Variations?
Ticket prices fluctuate according to different periods of the year, especially increasing during occasions such as Lunar New Year, summer vacation (June to August), or year-end (November to December). Conversely, during low-peak months (such as March - April or September - October), passengers can easily purchase tickets at preferential prices if booking early through the airline's official channels.
5.4. How Early Should I Arrive at The Airport in San Francisco?
For international connecting flights, passengers should arrive at San Francisco Airport at least 3 hours before departure time. This ensures sufficient time to complete security checks, baggage check-in, and complete check-in according to regulations.
Above is all the information passengers need to know about flights from San Francisco to Japan, from schedules to ticket prices. This will be a useful handbook helping passengers proactively design journeys suitable for personal needs. And if you are looking for a reliable airline for this trip, Vietnam Airlines will be an ideal choice with meticulous, comfortable service and many attractive offers!