United Airlines: San Francisco (SFO) to Paris (CDG) Flight Details
Everything you need to fly Origin to Destination: timing, airlines, and insider tips.
AI flight agent
Prefer a human?
Daily Year-Round
Flown by United
The direct service from San Francisco International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle is a cornerstone of United's transatlantic network. This route provides a critical link between the technology hub of the West Coast and the cultural capital of France, catering to both business professionals and leisure travelers looking for a non-stop crossing to Europe.
Spanning over 5,500 miles, the SFO to CDG route is operated daily by United Airlines. This year-round service utilizes state-of-the-art long-haul aircraft to ensure passenger comfort during the approximately 11-hour flight across the Atlantic.
“This flight is highly valued for eliminating the need for layovers in East Coast hubs like Newark or Dulles. For Silicon Valley travelers and Northern California residents, it offers the most efficient way to reach France and offers seamless connections to further European destinations via the Star Alliance network.”
Book with Borderly • Powered by Duffel
Fly to Destination, booked directly.
Real-time seat availability, live baggage options, and transparent fares across 400+ airlines.
Airline
United
Region
Europe
Aircraft
B787-9
Service
Daily Year-Round
Airports
Landing and taking off
Departure
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Check-In
Arrive at the International Terminal at least 3 hours prior to departure.
Connections
BART provides direct service to the airport from downtown San Francisco and Oakland.
Security
Clear and TSA PreCheck lanes are located in Terminal G for faster processing.
Arrival
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
On Arrival
Follow signs for Terminal 1 arrivals and prepare for passport control upon exit.
Ground Transport
The RER B train is the most frequent link to central Paris stations.
Planning Ahead
Allow extra time for baggage claim during morning peak arrival windows.
Booking, timing and fares
Timing & Reliability
Schedule. Flights usually depart SFO in the late afternoon and arrive in Paris the following morning.
Duration. Eastbound flights are typically faster due to tailwinds, averaging 10.5 to 11 hours.
Seasonality. This route remains consistent throughout the year with daily departures.
Time Zones. Paris is 9 hours ahead of San Francisco Pacific Time.
Fares & Booking
Booking Window. Fares are typically most competitive 4 to 6 months before travel.
Cabin Advice. Premium Plus offers a significant comfort boost over Economy for a mid-range price.
Peak Pricing. Prices spike significantly during Fashion Week and the summer holiday peak.
Peak
June to August and late December
Shoulder
April to May and September to October
Off-Peak
November to March (excluding holidays)
- Book at least 90 days in advance for the best summer fares
- Use United MileagePlus points to upgrade to Premium Plus or Polaris
- Check Tuesday or Wednesday departures for lower average pricing
Search Flights
Want tours and activities at either end?
Book vetted tours and experiences through our travel partner.
Best Time to Fly Origin to Destination
Spring
Ideal for mild weather and blooming gardens without summer crowds.
Summer
Peak travel season with long days but higher airfares.
Autumn
Excellent weather in September and October with manageable tourist numbers.
Trip Planning
Who this route suits
Best For
Business Travelers
Direct overnight service allows for a full day of meetings upon arrival.
Honeymooners
Seamless non-stop access to one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Tech Industry Professionals
Direct link between the Bay Area and European tech centers.
Connections & Alternatives
Lyon
Easily accessible via high-speed TGV train directly from the CDG airport station.
Nice
A short connecting flight for those heading to the French Riviera.
Geneva
A common connection for travelers heading to international organizations in Switzerland.
Travel Tips for the Origin-Destination Route
Good to Know
Visa & Entry
- U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short-term tourism in France
- Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay
- Check the latest ETIAS requirements if traveling in late 2025 or beyond
Airport Transfers
- The RER B train takes about 35-50 minutes to reach Chatelet-Les Halles
- RoissyBus offers a direct link to the Paris Opera district
- Fixed-rate taxis are available; avoid unauthorized drivers in the terminal
Baggage & Transit
- Check baggage allowance as international weight limits apply
- Download the United app to track your bags in real-time
- Ensure all carry-on items meet international size dimensions
Checklist
- Valid Passport with blank pages
- Universal Type E power adapter
- Noise-canceling headphones for the long-haul flight
- Mobile boarding pass saved to your phone
Airlines Flying Origin to Destination
United
Daily year-round service
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is the standard aircraft for this route.
Common questions
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Paris CDG?
The direct flight typically takes between 10 hours and 50 minutes to 11 hours and 15 minutes.
What aircraft does United fly on the SFO to CDG route?
United primarily operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for this long-haul service.
Does United offer daily flights from SFO to Paris?
Yes, United operates this route with a daily frequency throughout the year.
Which terminal does United use at CDG?
United Airlines typically arrives at and departs from Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Are meals provided on the SFO to CDG flight?
Yes, as a long-haul international flight, United provides complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages.
Borderly
Fly this route? Track it.
Log this flight in your Borderly travel vault, earn badges, and see how your miles stack up.
Explore more
Structured data verifiedAirports
Countries & Layovers
Your Travel Vault
Track United San Cdg
Upload your Origin to Destination boarding pass and keep every flight organized in your Borderly travel vault.
- Register for a Borderly account to monitor your flight history
- Use the United Airlines app for real-time gate updates
- Set up flight price alerts to monitor fare changes for this route
Keep every boarding pass, route, and milestone in one place.
Saily eSIMBorderly AI