Question 1

What is the flight distance between New York (JFK) and San Francisco (SFO)?

Accepted Answer

The shortest Great Circle flight distance between John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 4,152 km (2,242 nautical miles / 2,580 statute miles).

Question 2

How long is the flight time from JFK to SFO?

Accepted Answer

The estimated commercial flight time from JFK to SFO is approximately 5h 48m at typical cruising speeds (900 km/h), factoring in prevailing winds and standard 30-minute runway buffers.

Question 3

What is the difference between the Great Circle and Rhumb line route from JFK to SFO?

Accepted Answer

The Great Circle geodesic path is the shortest spherical distance at 4,152 km. In contrast, the Rhumb line covers 4,204 km (+52 km (+1.3%) divergence).

Question 4

What is the initial flight heading from JFK to SFO?

Accepted Answer

The initial true forward bearing when departing from JFK toward SFO is 282° WSW.