Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

How long is the flight time from SFO to JFK?

Accepted Answer

The estimated commercial flight time from SFO to JFK is approximately 4h 25m 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 SFO to JFK?

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 SFO to JFK?

Accepted Answer

The initial true forward bearing when departing from SFO toward JFK is 070° ENE.