Quick Facts: San Francisco to Beijing
- Average Fare
- $1282
- 5-Year Average
- $1125
- Lowest Recorded
- $646
- Flight Time
- 12h 22m
- Distance
- 9,493 km
- Best Quarter
- Q2 (Apr-Jun)
- Price Trend
- rising
- Data Source
- T-100
Route Traffic Data
Traffic data from BTS T-100 International; prices estimated based on distance and market factors.
Search Flights
Avg. $1282Compare prices across booking sites. Prices vary by date and availability.
About San Francisco to Beijing Flights
Discover the best flights from San Francisco to Beijing, covering 9,493 km in approximately 12h 22m. San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) is one of the major long-haul routes connecting United States and China. With 7 major airlines operating this route, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from San Francisco to Beijing.
Price Trend Estimate
T-100 TrafficBest Time to Fly
Best Quarter
Q2 (Apr-Jun)
Lowest average fares
Peak Season
Q1 (Jan-Mar)
Highest average fares
Book in Advance
129 days
For best prices
Price Analysis
Current prices are 14% above 5-year average. The best time to book flights from San Francisco to Beijing is during Q2 (Apr-Jun).
Booking Tips
For the best prices on San Francisco to Beijing flights, we recommend booking 61 days in advance. International flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.
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Airlines Serving This Route
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
San Jose → Beijing
San Jose International (SJC) to Beijing Capital International (PEK)
Distance: 9,540 km
Average price: $1990
Oakland → Beijing
Oakland International (OAK) to Beijing Capital International (PEK)
Distance: 9,493 km
Average price: $1981
Sacramento → Beijing
Sacramento International (SMF) to Beijing Capital International (PEK)
Distance: 9,448 km
Average price: $1972
San Jose → Beijing
San Jose International (SJC) to Beijing Capital International (PEK)
Distance: 9,540 km
Average price: $1990
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Beijing?
The flight time from San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) is approximately 12 hours and 22 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.
What is the distance between San Francisco and Beijing?
The aerial distance between San Francisco and Beijing is 9,493 kilometers (5,899 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from San Francisco to Beijing?
Several airlines operate flights between San Francisco and Beijing, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air China and 4 more airlines. Most flights on this route include one or more stops.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Beijing?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from San Francisco to Beijing. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.
How far in advance should I book my flight to Beijing?
For the best prices on San Francisco to Beijing flights, we recommend booking 121 days in advance. International flights generally require earlier booking than domestic routes.
Do I need a visa to travel from San Francisco to Beijing?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of United States traveling to China should check the latest visa requirements. Visit our partner site visarequirements.io for detailed visa information.
What is the time difference between San Francisco and Beijing?
San Francisco operates on America/Los_Angeles time zone, while Beijing is in the Asia/Shanghai time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.