Flights from San Francisco to Taipei

Airfare from SFO to Taipei starts from just USD 385. You will need to book connecting flights through Tan Son Nhat Airport since there are no direct flights available. The distance between San Francisco Airport and Taoyuan Airport is 14,818km, and the fastest flight time is 25 hours 30 minutes. For detailed information about flight itineraries and promotional programs when booking tickets, check out the information in the article below!

1. Detailed Information on The Flight From San Francisco to Taipei

Detailed information about arrival terminals, airport locations, distances, flight frequency, and flight duration is as follows:

Key Flight Details:

• Distance: 14,818km (9,208 miles).
• Flight Duration (*): From 25 hours and 30 minutes to 32 hours and 10 minutes.
• Flight Frequency (*): 12 flights/week.

Departure Information

Departure	San Francisco
Airport Name	San Francisco International Airport
Airport Code	SFO
Terminal	International (T1)
Location	San Mateo County, California, United States

Transit Information

Departure	Ho Chi Minh City
Airport Name	Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Airport Code	SGN
Terminal	International (T2)
Location	Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Arrival Airport

Arrival	Taipei City
Airport Name	Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Airport Code	TPE
Terminal	International (T1)
Location	Taoyuan County, Taiwan

*Flight times and terminal information may vary depending on the airline and weather conditions. Ticket prices may change based on booking time and travel season.

2. How to Get to San Francisco Airport and Taipei City Center

When planning transportation to San Francisco Airport and downtown Taipei, you can refer to some suggestions below.

2.1. How to Get to the San Francisco Airport?

You can travel from downtown San Francisco to San Francisco Airport using Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), SamTrans, and Taxi, specifically:

Means of Transportation	Instruction	Estimated Cost
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)	You can use the yellow rail line in the BART system to conveniently travel from downtown to San Francisco International Airport.	USD 9.5 - USD 11.5 per trip depending on the boarding station
SamTrans	Travel on route 292 with stops at San Francisco Airport	USD 2.25 - USD 4.5 per trip
Taxi	Catch a taxi directly or through a ride-hailing app	USD 45 - USD 65

2.2. How to Get From Taipei Airport to the City Center?

There are 4 ways to travel from Taoyuan International Airport to downtown Taipei as follows:

Means of Transportation	Instruction	Estimated Cost
Train	Take the train from Terminal 2 to Taipei Main Station	USD 3 - USD 5
Bus	Take Kuo Kuang or CitiAir bus from Terminal 2 station to Taipei Station	USD 3 - USD 6
Taxi	Catch a taxi directly from the airport or book through an app	USD 30 - USD 35
Metro	Take the metro station at Terminal 2 to TRA Taipei Station	USD 4 - USD 6

3. 04 Tips When Taking A Flight From San Francisco to Taipei

You can apply these 4 tips for booking flights from San Francisco to Taipei below to optimize costs, time, and enjoy a complete, safe trip.

3.1. Find the Best Flight Deals

Booking tickets using airline promotional programs helps you get the most optimal airfare. Some programs currently being implemented by Vietnam Airlines include:

• Book early: Booking at least 2 - 3 months before departure gives you more itinerary choices, flight times, seat classes, and can get up to 10% discount.
• Register for airline notifications: You can receive notifications about Vietnam Airlines' latest promotional programs via email or by following our website and fanpage.
• Choose good price flight times: Booking on weekdays, regular days, and low season will have better prices than weekends, holidays, or peak season.
• Book round-trip tickets: Round-trip tickets can save 5 -10% compared to booking two separate one-way tickets.
• Use "Secure my fare": Pay a 10 USD fee to hold your cheap fare for 2 - 3 days if you don't want to buy immediately.
• Become a Lotusmiles member: Members will get double ticket prices, accumulate flight miles, receive bonus miles, and many other benefits.

3.2. Prepare All Necessary Documents

Essential requirements include a valid passport with 6+ months validity, a Vietnamese visa or e-visa specifically for the connection process, and potential Taiwan entry permits depending on your citizenship status. Since digital copies may not be accepted at all transit points, you should apply for your Vietnamese e-visa 7 - 10 days before travel and ensure all documents are printed in advance.

3.3. Check Flight Details Carefully for Your Transit

During your Ho Chi Minh City transit, you will need to collect and recheck your baggage after clearing Vietnamese customs and immigration. Once you have completed these formalities, use your remaining time productively by exchanging currency at competitive airport rates, then exploring the terminal's dining options to try authentic Vietnamese coffee and pho.

Additionally, consider this an opportunity to purchase local souvenirs duty-free and rest in the comfortable seating areas, effectively treating your layover as a brief cultural introduction to Vietnam before continuing your journey to Taipei.

You can also enjoy local cuisine at Vietnam Airlines' business class lounge during transit (Source: Internet)

3.4. Enjoy a Short Excursion During Your Layover

If you have an extended layover in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Airlines offers an organized Transit tour that efficiently showcases the city's highlights like Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral. These guided excursions are specifically designed for connecting passengers, ensuring you return to the airport with ample time for your onward flight to Taipei. Book these convenient city exploration packages directly through Vietnam Airlines during your initial reservation or inquire at the airport transit desk upon arrival.

4. 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Taipei

When visiting Taipei, don't miss these destinations rich in culture, modernity, and close to nature. Below are the 5 most prominent landmarks, including tourist attractions near Taoyuan International Airport.

Destination	Highlights
Taipei 101	Taipei's iconic skyscraper, designed to mimic an impressive bamboo stem, features an observation deck on the 89th floor and luxury shopping areas with many high-end brand stores.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall	A large square with strong traditional East Asian architectural features, housing the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial.
Shilin Night Market	Taipei's largest and most famous night market, where you can enjoy hundreds of Taiwan's characteristic street foods like stinky tofu, crispy fried chicken, milk tea, etc.
Dahu Park	A park famous for the Jindai Bridge (Moon Bridge) with unique architecture and a lake covering 13 hectares, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Gloria Outlets	A luxury shopping center with hundreds of major brands from around the world like Nike, Coach, Armani, etc.

If you want to explore more famous destinations in Taipei, please refer to more articles on Vietnam Airlines' Travel guide page!

Taipei 101 building - symbol of Taipei (Source: Internet)

5. FAQs about San Francisco to Taipei Flight

Below are answers to some questions related to booking time, flight duration, and flight itinerary from San Francisco to Taipei.

5.1. When Is The Best Time to Book Flight Tickets?

You should book tickets at least 2 - 3 months in advance, booking during low tourist season to have more choices and better prices. Specifically, August to September is when Vietnam Airlines' airfares to Taipei are lowest.

5.2. Are There Any Non-Stop Or Direct Flights From San Francisco To Taipei?

Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates flights from San Francisco to Taipei with a transit at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam). You can follow our website and fanpage to stay updated on direct flight information as soon as possible.

5.3. How Long Is the Flight From San Francisco to Taipei?

Flight time from San Francisco to Taipei lasts from 25 hours 30 minutes to 32 hours 10 minutes, including transit time in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The above provides detailed information about flights from San Francisco to Taipei, transportation suggestions to San Francisco Airport and downtown Taipei, 5 destinations not to miss when visiting Taipei, and answers to some related flight questions. If you are planning to fly from San Francisco to Taipei, Book now with Vietnam Airlines!