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United · Route guide

San Francisco (SFO) to Mumbai (BOM) Flight Route

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

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Airline

United

Aircraft

B787-9

Service

Daily Year-Round

Region

Asia-Pacific

The route

The United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Mumbai represents one of the most critical long-haul links between the United States and India. Connecting the global technology hub of Silicon Valley with India's financial powerhouse, this daily service provides a seamless transit for business travelers and families alike. This route traverses a significant portion of the globe, often utilizing polar tracks to ensure the most efficient flight path between Northern California and Maharashtra.

This non-stop service operates between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). Covering a distance of approximately 8,400 miles, the flight is a hallmark of United's international network, offering consistent daily connectivity throughout the year.

As the only non-stop flight connecting the San Francisco Bay Area to Mumbai, this route is vital for the tech industry and the large Indian diaspora residing in Northern California. It eliminates the need for time-consuming transfers in Europe or the Middle East, making it the preferred choice for those seeking the fastest travel time between these two major global cities.

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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 to 4 hours before your flight to navigate the International Terminal G-Gates.
Security: Take advantage of TSA PreCheck if eligible, though international document verification is still required at the counter.
Connections: SFO provides free high-speed Wi-Fi and numerous power stations throughout the boarding area.

Arrival

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)

BOM

On arrival: Terminal 2 is modern and large; ensure you have your visa documents ready for the immigration officers.
Ground transport: Use the pre-paid taxi counters or designated app-based ride-sharing zones (Uber/Ola) for reliable transport into the city.
Planning ahead: Expect a longer wait at customs during early morning peaks when multiple international flights arrive.

Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule: Flights usually depart SFO in the evening and arrive in Mumbai in the early morning two days later.
Duration: Eastbound flights to Mumbai are generally slightly shorter than the westbound return to San Francisco.
Seasonality: The service remains consistent year-round without seasonal breaks.
Time zones: Mumbai is 12.5 or 13.5 hours ahead of San Francisco, which can lead to significant jet lag.

Fares & booking

Booking window: 90 to 120 days out for the best balance of price and availability.
Cabin advice: Premium Plus is a great middle-ground for extra legroom on this 17-hour flight without the full cost of Business Class.
Peak pricing: Extremely high during Diwali (October/November) and the second half of December.

Book at least 12 weeks in advance to secure the most competitive economy fares.
Consider using United MileagePlus miles for upgrades, as this is a high-demand route for Polaris cabin.
Mid-week departures (Tuesday or Wednesday) often show lower pricing than weekend flights.

Peak season

December through early January and the period surrounding the Diwali festival.

Shoulder season

February to April and September to October.

Off-peak season

Late May through August, coinciding with the peak of the monsoon season.

Tours and experiences at either end

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

Browse tours

When to fly

Best Time to Fly San Francisco to Mumbai

01
Winter (November to February)
The most pleasant weather in Mumbai for visitors, though flight prices are highest during the December holidays.
02
Monsoon (June to September)
Expect heavy rains in Mumbai; flights may be cheaper, but travel within the city can be challenging.
03
Shoulder (March to May)
Very hot and humid conditions in Mumbai, but often easier to find seat availability.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Corporate Travelers

Direct access between major tech hubs without time-consuming connections.

VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives)

Simplifies travel for families and seniors by avoiding transit airports.

Luxury Travelers

The B787-9 Polaris product offers an excellent sleep environment for ultra-long-haul journeys.

Connections & alternatives

Bengaluru (BLR)

A common secondary destination for tech workers arriving in Mumbai from SFO.

Goa (GOI)

A popular domestic hop for leisure travelers starting their vacation from Mumbai.

Delhi (DEL)

The capital is easily accessible via frequent domestic shuttles from BOM.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the San Francisco-Mumbai Route

Visa & entry

Most U.S. passport holders require an e-Visa or an OCI card to enter India.
Apply for the Indian e-Visa at least one week before your scheduled departure.
Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages and six months of validity remaining.

Airport transfers

Mumbai traffic can be intense; allow at least 2 hours for travel from the airport to South Mumbai.
If traveling to Pune, look for dedicated inter-city cool cabs or bus services from the airport terminal.
Consider booking an airport hotel if you have a long domestic connection within India.

Baggage & transit

Confirm your baggage allowance for India-bound flights, as weight limits are strictly enforced.
Pack essential medications and a change of clothes in your carry-on due to the extreme length of the flight.
Label your luggage in both English and Hindi to assist with identification at Mumbai airport.

Checklist

Printed copy of Indian e-Visa or OCI card
Universal power adapter for Type D and Type M sockets in India
Noise-canceling headphones for 16+ hours of flying
Completed customs declaration form if required

Carriers

Airlines Flying San Francisco to Mumbai

United

Daily non-stop service

Exclusively uses the B787-9 Dreamliner for this route.

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying San Francisco to Mumbai.

Is there a direct flight from San Francisco to Mumbai?

Yes, United Airlines operates a daily non-stop service between SFO and BOM using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

How long is the flight from SFO to Mumbai?

The flight typically takes between 16 hours and 17 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the route and weather.

Which terminal does United use in Mumbai?

United Airlines operates out of Terminal 2 (T2) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Are meals provided on the United SFO to BOM flight?

Yes, as an ultra-long-haul flight, United provides two full meal services and a mid-flight snack to all passengers.

What aircraft does United fly to Mumbai from SFO?

The route is primarily serviced by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, known for its improved cabin pressure and humidity levels.

Keep exploring

Where to next.

Structured data verified

Airports

San Francisco (SFO) (SAN)Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)San Francisco International Airport Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Countries & layovers

United States India Mumbai layover guide San Francisco layover guide

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