DCA to SFO Route Guide
Washington D.C., United States → San Francisco, United States
Quick answer
KDCA (Washington D.C., United States) to KSFO (San Francisco, United States) is a 2,117 NM (3,921 km / 2,436 mi) great-circle route with an initial bearing of 283° (WNW). Typical cruise altitude FL350, expected flight time 5h 7m, common aircraft: Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo.
Distance
2,117 NM
3,921 km / 2,436 mi
Initial Bearing
283° (WNW)
True heading at departure
Typical Cruise
FL350
35,000 ft
Block Time
5h 7m
Typical jet, no wind correction
Fuel Estimate
7,851 kg
Single-aisle equivalent + reserve
Departure Elevation
15 ft
KDCA
Arrival Elevation
13 ft
KSFO
What aircraft fly this route?
For a 2,117 NM mission, operators typically deploy:
- Boeing 737-800
- Airbus A320neo
- Airbus A321neo
- Boeing 737 MAX 8
Weather considerations
Pilots flying DCA-SFO should brief METARs and TAFs at both ends, plus any en-route SIGMETs. On this long-range mission, plan for an alternate within fuel reserves and review oceanic / NAT track procedures if applicable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance between DCA and SFO?
2,117 nautical miles (3,921 km / 2,436 statute miles) great-circle.
How long is the flight from Washington D.C. to San Francisco?
Approximately 5h 7m block-to-block for a typical commercial jet, depending on aircraft type and winds.
What aircraft typically fly DCA-SFO?
Common types include Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo, Boeing 737 MAX 8 depending on operator and demand.
What altitude do flights cruise at?
Most flights at this distance cruise around FL350 (35,000 ft), though winds and traffic affect filed altitude.
What initial heading is the route?
283° true (WNW). Track varies along the route due to great-circle curvature.
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