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How far is San Francisco, CA, from Washington D.C.?

The distance between Washington D.C. (Washington Dulles International Airport) and San Francisco (San Francisco International Airport) is 2419 miles / 3893 kilometers / 2102 nautical miles.

The driving distance from Washington D.C. (IAD) to San Francisco (SFO) is 2820 miles / 4538 kilometers, and travel time by car is about 49 hours 42 minutes.

Washington Dulles International Airport – San Francisco International Airport

Distance arrow
2419
Miles
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3893
Kilometers
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2102
Nautical miles

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Distance from Washington D.C. to San Francisco

There are several ways to calculate the distance from Washington D.C. to San Francisco. Here are two standard methods:

Vincenty's formula (applied above)
  • 2418.828 miles
  • 3892.726 kilometers
  • 2101.904 nautical miles

Vincenty's formula calculates the distance between latitude/longitude points on the earth's surface using an ellipsoidal model of the planet.

Haversine formula
  • 2413.037 miles
  • 3883.407 kilometers
  • 2096.872 nautical miles

The haversine formula calculates the distance between latitude/longitude points assuming a spherical earth (great-circle distance – the shortest distance between two points).

How long does it take to fly from Washington D.C. to San Francisco?

The estimated flight time from Washington Dulles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport is 5 hours and 4 minutes.

Flight carbon footprint between Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

On average, flying from Washington D.C. to San Francisco generates about 266 kg of CO2 per passenger, and 266 kilograms equals 586 pounds (lbs). The figures are estimates and include only the CO2 generated by burning jet fuel.

Map of flight path and driving directions from Washington D.C. to San Francisco

See the map of the shortest flight path between Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Airport information

Origin Washington Dulles International Airport
City: Washington D.C.
Country: United States Flag of United States
IATA Code: IAD
ICAO Code: KIAD
Coordinates: 38°56′40″N, 77°27′20″W
Destination San Francisco International Airport
City: San Francisco, CA
Country: United States Flag of United States
IATA Code: SFO
ICAO Code: KSFO
Coordinates: 37°37′8″N, 122°22′30″W

Airlines flying from Washington D.C. (IAD) to San Francisco (SFO)

United Airlines
Virgin America