Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo, Japan, are now available with one-way fares starting at just USD 767 (**), from 24 hours 15 minutes (Approximately 8,246km). This route offers budget-friendly travel without compromising comfort or flexibility. Dive into the details below to plan your perfect trip!
1. Detailed Information on The Flight From San Francisco to Tokyo, Japan
Vietnam Airlines operates flights from San Francisco to Tokyo with a single layover in Ho Chi Minh City. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your journey:
- Distance: Approximately 8,246 - 8,304 km.
- Average Flight Duration (*): 24 hours 15 minutes to 41 hours 10 minutes (including layover).
- Flight Frequency (*): 1 - 2 flights/day, 4 days/week.
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
|
Transit |
Ho Chi Minh City |
|
Airport Name |
Tan Son Nhat International Airport |
|
Airport Code |
SGN |
|
Terminal |
Terminal 2 |
|
Location |
Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
Arrival Airport
|
Airport Name |
Airport Code |
Terminal |
Location |
|
Narita International Airport |
NRT |
Terminal 1 |
1-1 Furugome, Narita, Chiba, Japan |
|
Haneda International Airport |
HND |
Terminal 0 |
Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo, Japan |
Notes:
(*) Flight times are estimates and may vary based on transit schedules and airport operations.
(**) Fares fluctuate depending on booking time, seat availability, and travel season.
2. How to Get to San Francisco Airport and Tokyo City Center
Here’s how to navigate your journey from San Francisco to Tokyo with ease:
2.1. How to Get to the San Francisco Airport?
|
Transportation |
Instructions |
Cost* |
|
Bus |
SamTrans routes (e.g. 292, KX) connect to SFO. |
~USD 2 - USD 5 |
|
Bay Area Rapid Transit |
Take the yellow line from downtown San Francisco to SFO. |
~USD 6 - USD 10 |
|
Taxi |
Taxis operate frequently, with a 20 - 40-minute ride to the airport. |
~USD 40 |
2.2. How to Get From The Arrival Airports to Tokyo City Center?
|
Arrival Airports |
Transportation - Estimated Time - Estimated Cost |
|
Narita |
|
|
Haneda (Tokyo) |
|
3. 4 Tips When Taking A Flight From San Francisco to Tokyo
Make your journey smooth and cost-effective with these expert tips:
3.1. Find the Best Flight Deals
To optimize costs for cheap flights from SFO to Tokyo Japan, passengers need to proactively plan and take advantage of suitable promotional policies. Below are some solutions to consider for effective budgeting:
- Book tickets at least 30 days in advance: Vietnam Airlines offers a discount program of 5 - 10% on international tickets when booked at least 30 days in advance, applicable to Economy class.
- Use temporary seat reservation: Vietnam Airlines provides a fare hold service for 2 - 3 days from the time of booking, with a reasonable fee of approximately USD 10 per person (approximately JPY 1499), applicable when booking 7 - 14 days in advance.
- Prioritize online payment: Book tickets through the airline’s website or application, combined with payment via digital wallets or bank accounts, allowing passengers to be exempt from ticket issuance fees and easily apply discount codes.
- Join the Vietnam Airlines membership program: Passengers who register for the Lotusmiles program can accumulate miles, access exclusive member privileges, and enjoy additional benefits such as increased baggage allowances.
3.2. Choose The Right Arrival Airport
Depending on the purpose of the trip, passengers can consider the following two options:
- Haneda International Airport (HND): Located near Tokyo, the travel time to the city center is only about 30 minutes by train. This option is suitable for those needing quick travel, short-term stays, or business trips in central areas such as Chiyoda, Minato, Shibuya, Shinjuku, etc.
- Narita International Airport (NRT): Located in Chiba Prefecture, 60 to 90 minutes from central Tokyo. This is a suitable option for passengers prioritizing diverse international routes, flexible connecting times, or itineraries staying in areas such as Chiba, Ueno, etc.
3.3. Enjoy a Short Excursion During Your Layover
If transiting in Ho Chi Minh City, passengers can take advantage of the time to quickly explore unique experiences. For example, enjoy a hot, crispy Saigon “banh mi”, drink a bold iced black coffee, and shop for small souvenirs.
3.4. Plan for Smooth Grounding
Immediately after completing immigration procedures, passengers should activate a SIM card or WiFi device to maintain connectivity. If planning to continue by high-speed train, you should prepare a JR Pass in advance to save costs. For urban trains and buses, a Suica or Pasmo card supports quick travel without needing to buy individual tickets for each segment.
4. 6 Must-Visit Attractions in Tokyo
From the bustling city center to areas near the airport, Tokyo boasts diverse attractions with many activities suitable for first-time visitors. Below are notable destinations, convenient for travel from Narita and Haneda international airports:
|
Attractions |
Highlights
|
|
Sensoji Temple (Asakusa) |
Tokyo’s oldest temple, notable for the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street. Visitors can shop for souvenirs, enjoy ningyo-yaki pastries, and matcha ice cream. |
|
Tokyo Skytree |
The world’s tallest broadcast tower, an ideal place to view Tokyo’s panorama and shop in the Solamachi area. |
|
Toyosu Fish Market |
A large-scale seafood auction center, famous for its high-end sushi restaurants. |
|
Ueno Park |
A vast park with a zoo, national museum, and cherry blossom forest blooming brilliantly in March-April. |
|
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple |
A temple over 1,000 years old, notable for traditional wooden architecture and the tranquil Omotesando street. |
|
Shibuya Crossing |
A globally famous intersection, a symbol of modern Tokyo, near Shibuya station and the Hachiko statue. |
5. FAQs about San Francisco to Tokyo Flight
Below are three frequently asked questions with detailed guidance to support the planning and travel process:
5.1. When Is The Best Time to Buy Flight Tickets?
Book flights from SFO to Tokyo at least 30 days before for optimal pricing. Avoid Japanese holiday periods (Golden Week in late April-early May, Obon in mid-August, New Year) when demand peaks. Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically offer better rates than weekend flights.
5.2. How Long Does Immigration Typically Take at Vietnamese Airports?
The time to complete immigration procedures at Tan Son Nhat International Airport typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes. Passengers need to prepare their passport, flight tickets, and related documents in advance to ensure the process is quick and compliant.
5.3. What Amenities are Available on Board for This Long-haul Flight?
On long-haul international flights from San Francisco to Tokyo, Vietnam Airlines provides services including standard meals, personal entertainment screens, headphones, and blankets. Additionally, the airline offers the Sky Sofa seat service to enhance the rest experience for passengers on long journeys.
5.4. Flight Time From San Francisco to Tokyo Japan
How long is a flight to Tokyo from San Francisco? The journey takes around 10 hours 50 minutes to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo (TYO).
The above is a summary of important information about flights from San Francisco to Tokyo, Japan. Understanding the flight schedule, connecting flight options, and transportation methods will help passengers be more proactive in preparation. Vietnam Airlines is a reliable choice with high-quality service and flexible schedules, meeting diverse travel needs. For detailed consultation and booking assistance, please Contact us!