SFO - TYO

$357 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Tokyo - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$795
Typical prices: $767-$1,412
China Eastern
Fri 10/19Sun 10/28
SFO - NRT • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$797
Typical prices: $781-$1,424
ZIPAIR
Thu 10/18Sat 10/27
SFO - NRT • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
ZIPAIR offers free Wi-Fi and low fares; book early and add seat selection.
ANA premium economy adds legroom; JAL Sky Wider economy offers a roomier 787 layout.
Expert advice
+1
Expert advice
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with ANA, United Airlines and others. Average duration is 11h 11m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 16% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 87% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 19 weeks in advance save around 10% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 21% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $627 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 15h 32m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Start a new search
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We hope you love your trip to Tokyo!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Tokyo (SFO-TYO)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Francisco to Tokyo

Mon, Oct 19 - Wed, Nov 4
China Eastern Logo
12:00 pm - 3:55 pmSFO  San Francisco-NRT Tokyo Narita
35h 55m1 stop Shanghai Pu Dong
China Eastern Logo
4:55 pm - 9:00 amNRT  Tokyo Narita-SFO San Francisco
33h 05m1 stop Shanghai Pu Dong
$795China Eastern
Mon, Oct 19 - Wed, Oct 28
China Eastern Logo
12:00 pm - 8:55 pmSFO  San Francisco-NRT Tokyo Narita
40h 55m1 stop Shanghai Pu Dong
China Eastern Logo
4:55 pm - 10:00 amNRT  Tokyo Narita-SFO San Francisco
33h 05m1 stop Shanghai Pu Dong
$795China Eastern
Sun, Oct 18 - Tue, Oct 27
ZIPAIR Logo
4:45 pm - 8:00 pmSFO  San Francisco-NRT Tokyo Narita
11h 15mnonstop
ZIPAIR Logo
9:25 pm - 2:35 pmNRT  Tokyo Narita-SFO San Francisco
9h 10mnonstop
$797ZIPAIR
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Nov 9
ZIPAIR Logo
4:45 pm - 8:00 pmSFO  San Francisco-NRT Tokyo Narita
11h 15mnonstop
ZIPAIR Logo
9:25 pm - 1:35 pmNRT  Tokyo Narita-SFO San Francisco
9h 10mnonstop
$797ZIPAIR
Thu, Sep 10 - Sat, Sep 26
Air Canada Logo
12:50 pm - 2:55 pmSFO  San Francisco-NRT Tokyo Narita
34h 05m2 stops Edmonton Vancouver Intl
Air Canada Logo
4:50 pm - 12:07 pmNRT  Tokyo Narita-SFO San Francisco
35h 17m2 stops Vancouver Intl Edmonton
$803Air Canada
Fri, Sep 11 - Sun, Sep 27
Air Canada Logo
6:35 am - 2:55 pmSFO  San Francisco-NRT Tokyo Narita
16h 20m1 stop Vancouver Intl
Air Canada Logo
4:50 pm - 6:31 pmNRT  Tokyo Narita-SFO San Francisco
17h 41m1 stop Vancouver Intl
$803Air Canada
Thu, Feb 18 - Thu, Feb 25
Cathay Pacific Logo
10:55 pm - 3:35 pmSFO  San Francisco-NRT Tokyo Narita
23h 40m1 stop Hong Kong Intl
Cathay Pacific Logo
4:50 pm - 9:15 pmNRT  Tokyo Narita-SFO San Francisco
21h 25m1 stop Hong Kong Intl
$805Cathay Pacific
Sat, Oct 31 - Wed, Nov 18
Cathay Pacific Logo
11:55 pm - 2:10 pmSFO  San Francisco-NRT Tokyo Narita
22h 15m1 stop Hong Kong Intl
Cathay Pacific Logo
4:45 pm - 8:55 pmNRT  Tokyo Narita-SFO San Francisco
21h 10m1 stop Hong Kong Intl
$805Cathay Pacific
Sun, Sep 13 - Tue, Sep 22
American Airlines Logo
7:55 pm - 4:45 amSFO  San Francisco-HND Tokyo Haneda
16h 50m1 stop Los Angeles
American Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 9:16 pmHND  Tokyo Haneda-SFO San Francisco
17h 31m1 stop Los Angeles
$808American Airlines
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 30
American Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 3:50 pmSFO  San Francisco-HND Tokyo Haneda
16h 50m1 stop Los Angeles
American Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 9:16 pmHND  Tokyo Haneda-SFO San Francisco
17h 31m1 stop Los Angeles
$808American Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for San Francisco to Tokyo flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from San Francisco to Tokyo with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from San Francisco to Tokyo?

Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Tokyo start at $795. Prices are typical for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $767 to $1,412. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $795 on China Eastern.

What is the cheapest San Francisco to Tokyo flight route?

San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) is the cheapest San Francisco to Tokyo route, averaging $916 round-trip. Other San Francisco to Tokyo routes average $1,271, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Tokyo?

Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Tokyo, it is 3% cheaper than the average day. Friday is the most expensive day with flight prices 17% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Tokyo?

  • September is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Tokyo at $790 round-trip.
  • December ($1,261) and June ($1,260) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 59% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from San Francisco to Tokyo the cheapest?

Flights from San Francisco to Tokyo are cheapest 19 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 10% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Francisco to Tokyo

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Victoria M. Walker

Victoria M. Walker

Expert on ZIPAIR

Victoria M. Walker is an award-winning travel reporter who writes the “Carrying On” newsletter. Victoria writes about airlines and hotels and fell in love with travel after her first flight in 2014. She was raised in Virginia and is based in Brooklyn, NY. She is interested in finding the best pizza and coffee in every city she visits.

Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel Leigh

Expert on ANA and NRT

Gabriel is a writer and video creator. As senior content producer for Flightradar24 and Monocle’s transport correspondent, he keeps a close eye on aviation in particular. He has also written travel articles for the likes of The New York Times. Born in New York but raised around the world, he now lives in Sweden. He’s been to 75 countries, flying 2.3 million miles on 113 airlines and through 234 airports in the process.

Robert Schrader

Robert Schrader

Expert on Japan Airlines

One of the web's original travel bloggers, Robert launched his first site Leave Your Daily Hell in 2009. Since then, he's expanded into destination niche sites (one each for Japan, Thailand and Taiwan), in addition to having written for the inflight magazines of Singapore Airlines and Korean Air. Overall, he's visited nearly 100 countries, and flies business as often as possible.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on SFO

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Brandon Schultz

Brandon Schultz

Expert on HND

Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others, and he is the author of 6 books, including 3 cookbooks.

Key details for San Francisco to Tokyo flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$357
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 20% drop in price.
Flight from San Francisco to Tokyo Narita Airport

When to book flights from San Francisco to Tokyo

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to Tokyo based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Flights from San Francisco to Tokyo: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from San Francisco to Tokyo 
BeldanFlew with Japan Airlines-Mar 2026
make sure to file any medication permission for things like ADHD meds or opiates for pain management early, so you don't need to rush.
BryanFlew with ANA-Feb 2026
Check your operating carrier. It seems like ANA is operated by United, so you would essentially be paying for United Airlines service (supposedly 3 stars) as opposed to the 5 star ANA service.
LeeFlew with ANA-Jan 2026
Make sure you understand the cost of additional baggage. This information was not make readily available. If I had known it was so high, I would have made sure to pack in a single checked bag. It seems this information was hidden from me.
Verified travelerFlew with ANA-Mar 2025
Compression socks are your friend. I wish I bought some to help me deal with the cramped seating.
TFlew with ZIPAIR-Nov 2024
Haneda is closer to the city center, so fly there if you can. Zipair has by far the best rates, but try to book early and pick a seat so you’re not stuck in a middle seat.

Your San Francisco to Tokyo flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • What is there to do to stay busy at San Francisco International Airport?

    To watch a movie or TV show, head to one of the InMotion Entertainment locations in San Francisco International Airport where you can rent a tablet or download a film directly onto your own personal device. If you’re interested in planes and the local region, visit the Flight Deck in Terminal 3, which contains touchscreen kiosks that allow travelers to learn about the airport’s history.

  • What dining options are there in the International Terminal of San Francisco International Airport?

    Gott's Roadside is a casual restaurant located in Boarding Area A of San Francisco International Airport and serves American-style food, such as hotdogs and fries. Mum Fresh is located near Boarding Area G and has a Vietnamese-inspired menu, with Pho noodle soup being one of their specialties.

  • Can I store my luggage at Haneda Airport?

    To store one or more of your suitcases in the International Terminal of Haneda Airport, go to the luggage storage desk in the Arrivals area. Rates range from 300 JPY to 800 JPY (approximately 3 USD to 7 USD) depending on the size of items, while coats can be stored for 200 JPY (approximately 2 USD).

  • Are there any indoor smoking areas at Narita International Airport?

    If you are a smoker, there are many indoor smoking rooms that you can go to in Narita International Airport. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 all of have a minimum of 5 smoking areas each, and nicotine-based products are allowed outside of each building, with ashtrays located in most of these areas.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on San Francisco to Tokyo flights?

    Among airlines operating San Francisco to Tokyo flights:

    • ZIPAIR: offers free seat selection
    • ANA: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Japan Airlines: offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    4 airlines operate flights between San Francisco and Tokyo. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • ANA
    • United Airlines
    • Japan Airlines
    • ZIPAIR

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    Flights from San Francisco to Tokyo usually depart from San Francisco (SFO) and may arrive at several airports in Tokyo area, including Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on San Francisco to Tokyo flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • ZIPAIR: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • ANA: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from San Francisco to Tokyo:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $627 round-trip via San Francisco (SFO), compared to $1,002 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $49–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San Francisco to Tokyo pass through?

    One-stop flights from San Francisco to Tokyo most commonly connect through:

    • Incheon Intl (ICN) - 33% of one-stop connections
    • Vancouver Intl (YVR) - 16% of one-stop connections
    • Los Angeles (LAX) - 12% of one-stop connections
    • Hong Kong Intl (HKG) - 11% of one-stop connections

    Incheon Intl (ICN) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 18% on the San Francisco to Tokyo route. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $974 round-trip on average, while Friday is the most expensive at $1,174, a difference of $200. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the San Francisco to Tokyo route, 17% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 26 minutes.

  • How are flight departures from San Francisco to Tokyo spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on San Francisco to Tokyo flights, with 43% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 43%, night flights for 14%, and evening flights for 0%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Tokyo?

    Some of the most popular sights in Tokyo are Ginza, Shinjuku Train Station and Haneda Airport International Terminal Train Station. These are among the most viewed places in Tokyo on KAYAK.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from San Francisco to Tokyo:

    • Earliest: departs at 12:20 am and lands at 11:31 am
    • Latest: departs at 5:15 pm and lands at 4:26 am.

    The flight takes about 11h 11m.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Francisco to Tokyo flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 2% above the route average of $996. Book 19 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    A nonstop flight from San Francisco to Tokyo takes 11h 11m, covering 5,140 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How are flight prices from San Francisco to Tokyo looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Francisco to Tokyo are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $400, which is 28% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does ANA’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on San Francisco to Tokyo flights?

    ANA is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while Japan Airlines has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on San Francisco to Tokyo flights are:

    • ANA: 87% on time
    • Japan Airlines: 84% on time
    • United Airlines: 83% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 83% of the time on average.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    Night flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from San Francisco to Tokyo?

    Flying via San Francisco (SFO) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 15h 13m, compared with 15h 32m via Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA) and 15h 40m via Osaka Kansai Intl (KIX).

  • What is the time difference between San Francisco and Tokyo?

    Tokyo is 16 hours ahead of San Francisco (Japan Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available in Tokyo?

    Since Tokyo is served by multiple airports, car rental options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) — daily rates from around $17:

    · Yesaway
    · Times
    · IX Rental
    · Avis
    · Wheego

    Near Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) — daily rates from around $14:

    · Relax Rent A Car
    · Yesaway
    · Times
    · IX Rental
    · JDM Rent a car

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San Francisco to Tokyo flight?

    Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Tokyo range from $767 to $1,412, with an average of $996 over the past 12 months. Anything below $767 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on San Francisco to Tokyo flights?

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on San Francisco to Tokyo flights:

    • • Japan Airlines
    • • American Airlines

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

Your guide to booking San Francisco to Tokyo flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure instead of Friday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $974 - about $200 less than Friday (17% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 19 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 10% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Francisco to Tokyo trip for September. Fares historically average $790 round-trip in that month - typically $471 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, ANA is the strongest pick on this route. 87% of ANA flights from San Francisco to Tokyo arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 83%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours 26 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through San Francisco Airport (SFO) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $627 round-trip on this route - about $375 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Tokyo Haneda Airport.
    - Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, WorldHotels
    - The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda Airport Terminal 3
    - Hotel Villa Fontaine Premier Haneda Airport, WorldHotels
  • When browsing through flights from San Francisco to Tokyo, there are two possible airports where you can land. While Haneda Airport (HND) is a smaller choice that is close to the city center, Narita International Airport (NRT) is a larger option that services more flights from the US.
  • Interested in nonstop flights from San Francisco to Tokyo rather than having a layover? Both United and American Airlines commonly service this route several times per day, and they often provide free checked bags, meals, and drinks for customers on their international flights.
  • If you would like to have a working cell phone during your time in Tokyo, go to the NTT Docomo store in Terminal 1 of Haneda Airport. In this shop, you can rent temporary cell phones, purchase international SIM cards, and buy accessories such as charging cords and cases.
  • For travelers who are veterans or active members of the military, visit the USO Lounge in San Francisco International Airport (SFO) while you are waiting to board your flight. Located in Terminal 1, this lounge provides free entry and features snacks, board games, televisions, and magazines.
  • To refresh after a long flight, rent a shower cubicle in Terminals 1 or 2 of Narita International Airport. These cubicles contain towels, toiletries, hair dryers, and vanities, and prices start at 1,030 JPY (approximately 9 USD) per half hour, with each additional 15m costing 520 JPY (approximately 4.50 USD).

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Tokyo?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San Francisco Airport to Tokyo, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Francisco to Tokyo

Monday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Friday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Tokyo to San Francisco

Monday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Friday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

ANA,Japan Airlines,United Airlines, +1 more

ANA,Japan Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Everything you need to know for your flight from San Francisco to Tokyo

Other airlines flying from San Francisco to Tokyo