Distance and flight time from San Francisco to Oakland
The great-circle distance between San Francisco and Oakland is 18 km (11 mi, 10 nautical miles). By private jet the flight takes between 36m and 37m block time depending on the aircraft class. For most travellers a light jet fits: it covers the route nonstop in about 37m.
- Light jet: 37m (nonstop)
- Midsize jet: 36m (nonstop)
- Super midsize jet: 36m (nonstop)
- Heavy jet: 36m (nonstop)
- Ultra long range jet: 36m (nonstop)
Empty legs and aircraft on the San Francisco – Oakland route
Over the last 18 months we recorded 43 empty legs from San Francisco to Oakland. The most frequent aircraft were Citation CJ3, Cessna Citation CJ3 and Cessna Citation CJ3+. Most flights operate from San Francisco Intl (KSFO) to Metropolitan Oakland Intl (KOAK). Half of the empty legs with a listed price cost between €2,600 and €5,900 for the whole aircraft.
Range and fuel stops
Not every jet can fly every route nonstop. With reserves, light jets reach about 2,800 km, super midsize jets around 5,500 km and ultra long range jets more than 11,000 km. If the destination is further away, the operator plans a fuel stop of roughly 45 minutes.
For transatlantic flights or routes to Asia the larger class often pays off: it costs more per hour but saves stops and therefore time.
- Turboprop / PC-12: up to approx. 2,200–2,800 km
- Light jet: up to approx. 2,800 km
- Midsize jet: up to approx. 3,700 km
- Super midsize jet: up to approx. 5,500 km
- Heavy jet: up to approx. 7,000 km
- Ultra long range: 11,000 km and more
Calculating the distance between airports
We calculate distance as the great-circle distance (the shortest path over the globe) and also show it in nautical miles, the standard unit in aviation. Because aircraft follow airways and approach procedures, the distance actually flown is slightly longer; the flight time already includes this.
How we calculate
- Distance: great-circle calculation from both airports’ coordinates, plus 5% for airways and approach procedures.
- Flight time: distance flown divided by the class’s typical cruise speed, plus 15 minutes for climb and descent and 10 minutes of taxi per take-off and landing.
- Fuel stops: added once the route exceeds practical range with reserves, 45 minutes on the ground per stop.
- Wind is not included. Strong headwinds (typically westbound across the Atlantic) can add 10–15% to flight time; tailwinds shorten it.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from San Francisco to Oakland?
The great-circle distance is 18 km (11 mi) or 10 nautical miles. The distance flown is about 5% longer because of airways.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Oakland?
By private jet about 37m in a light jet and 36m in the fastest jet (a midsize jet). Wind and air traffic control can change this by a few minutes.
Can a light jet fly San Francisco – Oakland nonstop?
Yes. At 18 km the route is within the range of a light jet such as the Citation CJ3+ or Phenom 300E. Flight time is about 37m.
How much is a private jet from San Francisco to Oakland?
A one-way charter in a light jet costs roughly €3,500 to €6,300 for the whole aircraft. Empty legs on this route recently had a median price of €4,100.