Direct (nonstop) flights from Guangzhou to San Francisco

1 airline flys nonstop from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to San Francisco International (SFO). It's 6,897 miles (11,099 km), about 12h 20m in the air. Operated by China Southern Airlines.

CAN
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
🇨🇳 Guangzhou, China
SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
Flight Time
12h 20m
Distance
6,897 mi
11,099 km
CO₂/pax
1054 kg
−63 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
China Southern Airlines
Time Diff
-15h
Operated by China Southern Airlines China Southern Airlines

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

China Southern Airlines CZ China Southern Airlines
Route
CAN → SFO
Flight Time
12h 20m
Distance
6,897 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Guangzhou to San Francisco with one stop · direct emits 1054 kg CO₂ per passenger

CAN HND (Tokyo) SFO
Leg 1: 3h 55m (1,794 mi) Leg 2: 9h 35m (5,159 mi) Total: ~13h 30m 🍃 1117 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CAN → HND
3h 55m · 1,794 mi
View CAN to HND flights →
Leg 2
HND → SFO
9h 35m · 5,159 mi
View HND to SFO flights →
CAN KIX (Osaka) SFO
Leg 1: 3h 35m (1,527 mi) Leg 2: 9h 55m (5,412 mi) Total: ~13h 30m 🍃 1110 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CAN → KIX
3h 35m · 1,527 mi
View CAN to KIX flights →
Leg 2
KIX → SFO
9h 55m · 5,412 mi
View KIX to SFO flights →
CAN PVG (Shanghai) SFO
Leg 1: 2h 25m (747 mi) Leg 2: 11h 10m (6,150 mi) Total: ~13h 35m 🍃 1103 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CAN → PVG
2h 25m · 747 mi
View CAN to PVG flights →
Leg 2
PVG → SFO
11h 10m · 6,150 mi
View PVG to SFO flights →
CAN TPE (Taipei) SFO
Leg 1: 2h 10m (514 mi) Leg 2: 11h 25m (6,468 mi) Total: ~13h 35m 🍃 1109 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CAN → TPE
2h 10m · 514 mi
View CAN to TPE flights →
Leg 2
TPE → SFO
11h 25m · 6,468 mi
View TPE to SFO flights →
CAN NRT (Tokyo) SFO
Leg 1: 4h 10m (1,831 mi) Leg 2: 9h 28m (5,123 mi) Total: ~13h 38m 🍃 1117 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CAN → NRT
4h 10m · 1,831 mi
View CAN to NRT flights →
Leg 2
NRT → SFO
9h 28m · 5,123 mi
View NRT to SFO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Guangzhou to San Francisco?

A nonstop flight from Guangzhou (CAN) to San Francisco (SFO) takes approximately 12 hours and 20 minutes. The distance is 6,897 miles (11,099 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Guangzhou to San Francisco?

Just China Southern Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Guangzhou to San Francisco?

Yes. 1 airline: China Southern Airlines.

How far is Guangzhou from San Francisco?

The flight distance from Guangzhou to San Francisco is 6,897 miles (11,099 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 Guangzhou and San Francisco?

San Francisco is 15 hours behind Guangzhou. (Asia/Shanghai vs America/Los_Angeles.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou to San Francisco?

At 12h 20m, 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 China 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 Guangzhou to San Francisco?

Roughly 1054 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 5,270 km.

Is the return flight from San Francisco to Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport for this flight?

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