Direct (nonstop) flights from Hong Kong to San Francisco

2 airlines fly nonstop from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to San Francisco International (SFO). It's 6,925 miles (11,144 km), about 12h 25m in the air. Operated by Cathay Pacific, United Airlines.

HKG
Hong Kong International Airport
🇭🇰 Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
Flight Time
12h 25m
Distance
6,925 mi
11,144 km
CO₂/pax
1059 kg
−47 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Cathay Pacific +1
Time Diff
-15h
Operated by Cathay Pacific Cathay Pacific United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 21, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Cathay Pacific CX Cathay Pacific
Route
HKG → SFO
Flight Time
12h 25m
Distance
6,925 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
HKG → SFO
Flight Time
12h 25m
Distance
6,925 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Hong Kong to San Francisco with one stop · direct emits 1059 kg CO₂ per passenger

HKG TPE (Taipei) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 50m (500 mi) Leg 2: 11h 25m (6,468 mi) Total: ~13h 15m 🍃 1106 kg CO₂ (+4% vs. direct)
Leg 1
HKG → TPE
1h 50m · 500 mi
View HKG to TPE flights →
Leg 2
TPE → SFO
11h 25m · 6,468 mi
View TPE to SFO flights →
HKG CAN (Guangzhou) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 5m (84 mi) Leg 2: 12h 20m (6,897 mi) Total: ~13h 25m 🍃 1095 kg CO₂ (+3% vs. direct)
Leg 1
HKG → CAN
1h 5m · 84 mi
View HKG to CAN flights →
Leg 2
CAN → SFO
12h 20m · 6,897 mi
View CAN to SFO flights →
HKG HND (Tokyo) SFO
Leg 1: 4h 3m (1,803 mi) Leg 2: 9h 35m (5,159 mi) Total: ~13h 38m 🍃 1119 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
HKG → HND
4h 3m · 1,803 mi
View HKG to HND flights →
Leg 2
HND → SFO
9h 35m · 5,159 mi
View HND to SFO flights →
HKG KIX (Osaka) SFO
Leg 1: 3h 45m (1,537 mi) Leg 2: 9h 55m (5,412 mi) Total: ~13h 40m 🍃 1112 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
HKG → KIX
3h 45m · 1,537 mi
View HKG to KIX flights →
Leg 2
KIX → SFO
9h 55m · 5,412 mi
View KIX to SFO flights →
HKG PVG (Shanghai) SFO
Leg 1: 2h 45m (777 mi) Leg 2: 11h 10m (6,150 mi) Total: ~13h 55m 🍃 1109 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
HKG → PVG
2h 45m · 777 mi
View HKG to PVG flights →
Leg 2
PVG → SFO
11h 10m · 6,150 mi
View PVG to SFO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Hong Kong to San Francisco?

A nonstop flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to San Francisco (SFO) takes approximately 12 hours and 25 minutes. The distance is 6,925 miles (11,144 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Hong Kong to San Francisco?

2 airlines: Cathay Pacific, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Hong Kong to San Francisco?

Yes. 2 airlines: Cathay Pacific, United Airlines.

How far is Hong Kong from San Francisco?

The flight distance from Hong Kong to San Francisco is 6,925 miles (11,144 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Tokyo.

What is the time difference between Hong Kong and San Francisco?

San Francisco is 15 hours behind Hong Kong. (Asia/Hong_Kong vs America/Los_Angeles.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from Hong Kong to San Francisco?

Probably — 15-hour time difference means significant jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying westward is generally easier to adjust to.

What type of aircraft flies from Hong Kong to San Francisco?

At 12h 25m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Hong Kong SAR to USA?

Depends on your passport. Check with the USA embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Hong Kong to San Francisco?

Roughly 1059 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 5,295 km.

Is the return flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Hong Kong to San Francisco?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. For long-haul, booking 2-3 months out tends to help. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Hong Kong International Airport for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.