SMF to SFO Route Guide
Sacramento, United States → San Francisco, United States
Quick answer
KSMF (Sacramento, United States) to KSFO (San Francisco, United States) is a 74 NM (137 km / 85 mi) great-circle route with an initial bearing of 210° (SSW). Typical cruise altitude FL80, expected flight time 47m, common aircraft: Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Cirrus SR22.
Distance
74 NM
137 km / 85 mi
Initial Bearing
210° (SSW)
True heading at departure
Typical Cruise
FL80
8,000 ft
Block Time
47m
Typical jet, no wind correction
Fuel Estimate
1,722 kg
Single-aisle equivalent + reserve
Departure Elevation
27 ft
KSMF
Arrival Elevation
13 ft
KSFO
What aircraft fly this route?
For a 74 NM mission, operators typically deploy:
- Cessna 172
- Piper PA-28
- Cirrus SR22
- King Air 200
Weather considerations
Pilots flying SMF-SFO should brief METARs and TAFs at both ends, plus any en-route SIGMETs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance between SMF and SFO?
74 nautical miles (137 km / 85 statute miles) great-circle.
How long is the flight from Sacramento to San Francisco?
Approximately 47m block-to-block for a typical commercial jet, depending on aircraft type and winds.
What aircraft typically fly SMF-SFO?
Common types include Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Cirrus SR22, King Air 200 depending on operator and demand.
What altitude do flights cruise at?
Most flights at this distance cruise around FL80 (8,000 ft), though winds and traffic affect filed altitude.
What initial heading is the route?
210° true (SSW). Track varies along the route due to great-circle curvature.
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