SFO to LHR Route Guide
San Francisco, United States → London, United Kingdom
Quick answer
KSFO (San Francisco, United States) to EGLL (London, United Kingdom) is a 4,652 NM (8,616 km / 5,353 mi) great-circle route with an initial bearing of 33° (NNE). Typical cruise altitude FL410, expected flight time 10h 12m, common aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A350-900, Boeing 787-9.
Distance
4,652 NM
8,616 km / 5,353 mi
Initial Bearing
33° (NNE)
True heading at departure
Typical Cruise
FL410
41,000 ft
Block Time
10h 12m
Typical jet, no wind correction
Fuel Estimate
15,456 kg
Single-aisle equivalent + reserve
Departure Elevation
13 ft
KSFO
Arrival Elevation
83 ft
EGLL
What aircraft fly this route?
For a 4,652 NM mission, operators typically deploy:
- Boeing 777-300ER
- Airbus A350-900
- Boeing 787-9
- Airbus A330-900neo
Weather considerations
Pilots flying SFO-LHR 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 SFO and LHR?
4,652 nautical miles (8,616 km / 5,353 statute miles) great-circle.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to London?
Approximately 10h 12m block-to-block for a typical commercial jet, depending on aircraft type and winds.
What aircraft typically fly SFO-LHR?
Common types include Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A350-900, Boeing 787-9, Airbus A330-900neo depending on operator and demand.
What altitude do flights cruise at?
Most flights at this distance cruise around FL410 (41,000 ft), though winds and traffic affect filed altitude.
What initial heading is the route?
33° true (NNE). Track varies along the route due to great-circle curvature.
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