Find the cheapest flights from Tokyo to San Francisco in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Tokyo (NRT) → San Francisco (SFO)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 12 h – 16 h
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €350 | low |
| February | €330 | low |
| March | €380 | medium |
| April | €420 | medium-high |
| May | €450 | medium-high |
| June | €550 | high |
| July | €650 | high |
| August | €620 | high |
| September | €480 | medium-high |
| October | €420 | medium |
| November | €350 | low |
| December | €520 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- United Airlines (direct): from €450 — United often releases error fares on this route. Use United’s Japan website (ana.co.jp) to sometimes find better pricing than the US site. Star Alliance upgrade availability is excellent on this route.
- ANA (direct): from €500 — ANA pricing is often better when booked through their Japanese website versus international versions. Miles that can be redeemed on United flights for better availability.
- Japan Airlines (direct): from €480 — JAL offers some of the best economy comfort on this route. Their website sometimes has promotional fares 2-3 weeks before departure that beat other carriers.
- Delta Air Lines (direct): from €420 — Delta often has the lowest direct fares but rarely includes advance seat selection in basic economy. Check Delta’s Japanese site for alternate pricing.
- Korean Air (connecting): from €380 — Incheon Airport connection is efficient (typically 1-2 hour layover). Great for combining Seoul stopover with cheap ticket.
Booking Strategy
The Tokyo-San Francisco route is highly competitive with four carriers offering direct service, making it crucial to compare all options. The sweet spot for booking is 8-12 weeks ahead, when airlines typically release their best advance purchase fares. January and February offer the lowest prices (€300-380), while July-August peaks at €600-700. Midweek departures (Tuesday-Thursday) save €50-100 versus Friday-Sunday. Use Google Flights for tracking price drops, but book directly with the airline to avoid third-party complications. Consider flying into Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) if SFO prices spike—shuttle buses connect these airports to SF for $20-30. Japanese residents should check ANA/JAL Japanese sites for better yen-pricing. The route uses Narita (NRT) primarily; Haneda (HND) has fewer direct flights but is more convenient for central Tokyo.
Route Tips
- Narita Airport (NRT) handles most San Francisco flights—factor in 2+ hours from central Tokyo and consider the Narita Express train (¥3,250) for reliable timing
- US customs preclearance at Narita means arriving as a domestic passenger—no immigration lines on arrival
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) has heavy fog (locally called Karl the Fog) causing delays June-July; book morning flights for best on-time performance
- ESTA visa waiver required for Japanese passport holders—apply online at least 72 hours before departure ($21 fee)
- BART from SFO to downtown is the most reliable transit—avoid rideshare surge pricing during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM)
- Consider booking a Positioning flight to Los Angeles (LAX) first, then a separate LAX-SFO connection—sometimes €100-200 cheaper total
- Japanese credit cards with no foreign transaction fees save 2-3% versus cards that charge conversion fees
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Tokyo to San Francisco?
Direct flights from Tokyo (Narita) to San Francisco take approximately 9 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours 30 minutes, depending on wind patterns and specific routing. United Airlines and Delta typically operate the shorter flights, while ANA and Japan Airlines flights tend to be around 10 hours. If booking connecting flights through Seoul, Los Angeles, or other hubs, expect total travel times of 12-16 hours with 1-2 hour layovers. The longest connections go through European hubs like Frankfurt or Paris, extending travel to 18-22 hours.
How much does it cost to fly from Tokyo to San Francisco?
Economy class flights range from €300 to €700 depending on season and booking timing. The cheapest fares (€300-380) are available in January, February, and November during low demand periods. Peak season (June-August) sees prices rise to €550-700 for economy. Business class typically costs €2,500-5,000. United and Delta often have the lowest direct fares, while ANA and JAL charge a premium for better service. Connecting flights through Korean Air or Asiana can save €50-150 versus direct service.
Are there direct flights from Tokyo to San Francisco?
Yes, direct flights are available from Tokyo Narita (NRT) Airport. Four airlines operate non-stop service: United Airlines (2-3 daily flights), ANA (1-2 daily), Japan Airlines (1-2 daily), and Delta Air Lines (1 daily). Haneda Airport (HND) has limited direct service, primarily United’s early morning departure. Direct flights are approximately 9.5-10.5 hours. No other Japanese city offers direct service to San Francisco; connecting flights from Osaka or other cities go through Tokyo.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Tokyo to San Francisco?
January and February offer the cheapest fares, with average prices around €330-350. November is also budget-friendly at approximately €350. These months fall outside both Japanese and American holiday periods. The most expensive period is late June through August (average €600-650) when families travel for summer vacations, and mid-December (€500+) during the year-end holiday season. Shoulder months like April (cherry blossom season) and October see moderate prices around €420.
Which airlines fly from Tokyo to San Francisco?
Four airlines operate direct flights: United Airlines (Star Alliance, 2-3x daily from Narita), ANA (Star Alliance, 1-2x daily from Narita and Haneda), Japan Airlines (Oneworld, 1-2x daily from Narita), and Delta Air Lines (SkyTeam, 1x daily from Narita). Connecting options include Korean Air and Asiana Airlines (both via Seoul-Incheon), Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), China Airlines (via Taipei), and Singapore Airlines (via Singapore). United and Delta typically offer the lowest fares, while ANA and JAL provide premium service at higher prices.
What airport do I fly into in San Francisco?
You will fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located 14 miles (22 km) south of downtown San Francisco. SFO is the primary international gateway for the Bay Area. Transportation options to the city include: BART train ($10-12, 30 minutes to downtown), rideshareUber/Lyft ($40-60, 25-45 minutes depending on traffic), taxi (flat rate $65-70 to downtown), and shuttle vans ($18-25). Note that SFO has heavy fog during summer months, sometimes causing delays. Consider Oakland Airport (OAK) for potentially cheaper arrivals—it is 20 miles from SF with shuttle service.
How far in advance should I book Tokyo to San Francisco flights?
Book 8-12 weeks ahead for the best combination of availability and price. Airlines typically release their cheapest advance purchase fares 3-4 months before departure. Last-minute bookings (within 2 weeks) rarely yield deals on this popular route and often cost €200+ more than advance bookings. However, airlines sometimes release error fares 4-6 weeks out—set up price alerts with Google Flights or Skyscanner. For summer travel (June-August), book 10-14 weeks ahead as these dates fill quickly. January and February trips can often be booked 6-8 weeks ahead with good availability.
Is it cheaper to fly from Tokyo to San Francisco on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than Friday-Sunday flights. Thursday offers moderate pricing, while Saturday falls in the middle. The difference is most pronounced during off-peak seasons—peak summer weekends see minimal savings from weekday travel. Flying early morning departures (6-9 AM) saves €30-50 versus afternoon/evening flights. Monday departures are surprisingly expensive, often matching Friday prices due to business travelers. For maximum savings, combine Tuesday-Wednesday departure with Tuesday-Wednesday return dates.
Data updated: 2026-03
