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United · Route guide

United Airlines: San Francisco (SFO) to Bangalore (BLR) Flight Guide

Everything you need to fly San Francisco to Bengaluru: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

1 airline on this route · Daily

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Airline

United

Aircraft

Boeing 787-9

Service

Daily

Region

Asia-Pacific

The route

This direct route connects the heart of Silicon Valley with India's primary technology hub, Bangalore. United Airlines provides a vital link between these two global innovation centers, catering primarily to business travelers and families connecting between the United States and Southern India. As an ultra-long-haul service, it represents one of the longest flights in the world, offering a seamless transition across the Pacific.

Operating year-round, the United Airlines flight from San Francisco International Airport to Kempegowda International Airport utilizes state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The service is designed for maximum efficiency, providing a daily connection that saves travelers hours compared to traditional one-stop routes through Europe or the Middle East.

This route serves as a Tech Bridge, facilitating seamless travel for employees of major global software and engineering firms that operate in both Northern California and Karnataka. It eliminates the need for time-consuming layovers, making it the preferred choice for corporate travelers and the Indian diaspora living in the Bay Area.
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One-way from

$1,569

Indicative fare via Duffel, ~6 weeks out

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Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO
Check-in
Arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international transpacific flights to navigate security and document checks.
Security
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available, but ensure your documents for India are verified at the check-in counter first.
Connections
United operates primarily from the International Terminal G, which features dedicated lounges and amenities.
Arrival

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)

BLR
On arrival
Ensure you have your printed e-Visa or visa documents ready before reaching the immigration counters.
Ground transport
App-based taxis like Uber and Ola have dedicated pickup zones outside the terminal for reliable pricing.
Planning ahead
The airport is located approximately 40km from the city center; allow 1.5 to 2 hours for travel during peak traffic periods.
Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule
Flights usually depart SFO in the late evening and arrive in Bangalore two days later due to the significant time difference.
Duration
Approximately 17 to 18 hours depending on seasonal jet streams.
Seasonality
Consistent daily service regardless of season, though wind patterns can affect exact flight times.
Time zones
Bangalore is 12.5 or 13.5 hours ahead of San Francisco depending on Daylight Savings Time in the US.

Fares & booking

Booking window
90 to 120 days before departure for optimal pricing.
Cabin advice
Consider upgrading to United Polaris or Premium Plus for significantly better comfort on this 17-hour journey.
Peak pricing
High demand and price surges during Diwali (October/November) and the December holiday season.
  • Book at least 3-4 months in advance for the best fares on this high-demand route
  • Look for midweek departures on Tuesday or Wednesday to find lower prices
  • Use United's MileagePlus program to track award availability for premium cabin upgrades

Peak season

December through January due to holiday travel and pleasant weather.

Shoulder season

September to November and March to May.

Off-peak season

June to August during the peak monsoon period.

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in Bengaluru and San Francisco, through our travel partner.

When to fly

Best Time to Fly San Francisco to Bengaluru

  1. 01

    Winter (October to February)

    The weather in Bangalore is most pleasant during these months with cooler temperatures.

  2. 02

    Monsoon (June to September)

    Expect heavy rain and potential traffic delays, though flight prices may be more competitive.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Tech Professionals

Direct access between the world's two largest IT hubs without the hassle of layovers.

VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives)

Convenient one-stop connection for the large Indian community in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Connections & alternatives

Chennai

Easily accessible via a short domestic flight or high-speed train from Bangalore.

Hyderabad

Another major tech hub just an hour's flight away from BLR.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the San Francisco-Bengaluru Route

Visa & entry

  • US citizens and most foreign nationals require a valid Indian visa or e-Visa before boarding
  • Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and two blank pages
  • Carry a digital and physical copy of your return flight itinerary for immigration officers

Airport transfers

  • Pre-book an official airport taxi for a fixed rate to avoid negotiation upon arrival
  • Consider the Bangalore Airport Bus (Vayu Vajra) for a cost-effective route to major city hubs
  • Use reputable ride-hailing apps for safety and transparent fare calculation

Baggage & transit

  • Check the specific baggage allowance for India routes as United often allows two checked bags in economy
  • Keep essential medications and a change of clothes in your carry-on for the 17-hour journey
  • Label all bags clearly with your Bangalore contact information and phone number

Checklist

  • Valid Indian Visa or e-Visa document
  • Universal power adapter (Type D or M for India)
  • Noise-canceling headphones for the ultra-long-haul flight
  • Light jacket or sweater for the air-conditioned aircraft cabin
Carriers

Airlines Flying San Francisco to Bengaluru

United

Daily Year-Round

Primary aircraft is the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring Polaris Business Class.

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying San Francisco to Bengaluru.

Is there a direct flight from SFO to Bangalore?

Yes, United Airlines operates a direct daily service between San Francisco (SFO) and Bangalore (BLR).

How long is the flight from San Francisco to Bangalore?

The flight typically takes between 17 and 18 hours depending on wind patterns and the specific flight path.

What aircraft does United use for SFO to BLR?

United primarily uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for this route, which features Polaris Business Class and Economy Plus.

Do I need a visa for Bangalore if I am a US citizen?

Yes, US citizens require a valid Indian visa or an e-Visa to enter India. This must be obtained prior to departure.

What terminal does United fly out of at SFO for Bangalore?

United Airlines international flights to Bangalore typically depart from the International Terminal G at San Francisco International Airport.

Your travel vault

Flown SFO to BLR? Keep it.

Add your boarding pass for this route to your Borderly profile!

Three steps

  1. 1Log your flight in the Borderly app using the route code UA-SFO-BLR
  2. 2Keep track of your total miles flown on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
  3. 3Share your ultra-long-haul travel stats with your professional network on LinkedIn
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