Direct (nonstop) flights from Shanghai to San Francisco

2 airlines fly nonstop from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to San Francisco International (SFO). It's 6,150 miles (9,897 km), about 11h 10m in the air. Operated by China Eastern Airlines, United Airlines.

PVG
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
🇨🇳 Shanghai, China
SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
Flight Time
11h 10m
Distance
6,150 mi
9,897 km
CO₂/pax
940 kg
−63 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
China Eastern Airlines +1
Time Diff
-15h
Operated by China Eastern Airlines China Eastern Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 25, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

China Eastern Airlines MU China Eastern Airlines
Route
PVG → SFO
Flight Time
11h 10m
Distance
6,150 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
PVG → SFO
Flight Time
11h 10m
Distance
6,150 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Shanghai to San Francisco with one stop · direct emits 940 kg CO₂ per passenger

PVG KIX (Osaka) SFO
Leg 1: 2h 10m (813 mi) Leg 2: 9h 55m (5,412 mi) Total: ~12h 5m 🍃 1003 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PVG → KIX
2h 10m · 813 mi
View PVG to KIX flights →
Leg 2
KIX → SFO
9h 55m · 5,412 mi
View KIX to SFO flights →
PVG HND (Tokyo) SFO
Leg 1: 2h 45m (1,081 mi) Leg 2: 9h 35m (5,159 mi) Total: ~12h 20m 🍃 997 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PVG → HND
2h 45m · 1,081 mi
View PVG to HND flights →
Leg 2
HND → SFO
9h 35m · 5,159 mi
View HND to SFO flights →
PVG NRT (Tokyo) SFO
Leg 1: 3h (1,117 mi) Leg 2: 9h 28m (5,123 mi) Total: ~12h 28m 🍃 997 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PVG → NRT
3h · 1,117 mi
View PVG to NRT flights →
Leg 2
NRT → SFO
9h 28m · 5,123 mi
View NRT to SFO flights →
PVG ICN (Seoul) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 55m (510 mi) Leg 2: 10h 40m (5,658 mi) Total: ~12h 35m 🍃 984 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PVG → ICN
1h 55m · 510 mi
View PVG to ICN flights →
Leg 2
ICN → SFO
10h 40m · 5,658 mi
View ICN to SFO flights →
PVG YVR (Vancouver) SFO
Leg 1: 10h 25m (5,615 mi) Leg 2: 2h 24m (800 mi) Total: ~12h 49m 🍃 1031 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
PVG → YVR
10h 25m · 5,615 mi
View PVG to YVR flights →
Leg 2
YVR → SFO
2h 24m · 800 mi
View YVR to SFO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from Shanghai (PVG) to San Francisco (SFO) takes approximately 11 hours and 10 minutes. The distance is 6,150 miles (9,897 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Shanghai to San Francisco?

2 airlines: China Eastern Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Shanghai to San Francisco?

Yes. 2 airlines: China Eastern Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is Shanghai from San Francisco?

The flight distance from Shanghai to San Francisco is 6,150 miles (9,897 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 Shanghai and San Francisco?

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

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

At 11h 10m, 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 Shanghai to San Francisco?

Roughly 940 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,700 km.

Is the return flight from San Francisco to Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai Pudong International Airport for this flight?

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