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United · Route guide

San Francisco to Delhi Flight Route: United Airlines

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

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1 airline on this route · Daily Year-Round

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Airline

United

Aircraft

B777-200ER

Service

Daily Year-Round

Region

Asia-Pacific

The route

The direct connection between San Francisco (SFO) and Delhi (DEL) serves as a vital bridge for tech professionals, families, and tourists. Operated by United Airlines, this ultra-long-haul route offers a seamless link between Northern California and the heart of India, bypassing traditional layovers in Europe or the Middle East.

United Airlines provides a consistent daily service from San Francisco International Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport. Utilizing the robust Boeing 777-200ER, this flight covers one of the longest distances in the United network, often following a transpolar or Pacific track depending on seasonal winds.

This route is critical for the Silicon Valley-India tech corridor. By offering a non-stop service, it eliminates the need for exhausting transfers, making it the preferred choice for business leaders, students, and the large Indian diaspora living in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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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: International travelers should arrive at least 3 hours before departure to navigate customs and security.
Security: TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available, though queues can be long during peak evening international departure windows.
Connections: Excellent high-speed Wi-Fi and multiple United Club lounges are located in Terminal G.

Arrival

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

DEL

On arrival: Ensure your e-Visa is printed and readily available before landing for faster processing.
Ground transport: Pre-paid taxis and app-based services like Uber or Ola are the most reliable options from Terminal 3.
Planning ahead: Expect a thorough health and immigration check; have your local contact address handy.

Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule: Flights usually depart SFO in the evening and arrive in Delhi late the following night.
Duration: One of the longest flights in the world, requiring significant preparation for jet lag.
Seasonality: This is a year-round service with peak demand during the winter months.
Time zones: San Francisco is 12.5 to 13.5 hours behind Delhi depending on Daylight Saving Time.

Fares & booking

Booking window: 90 to 120 days prior to departure is the sweet spot for pricing.
Cabin advice: Premium Plus is highly recommended if Polaris is out of budget, as the extra legroom is vital on a 15-hour flight.
Peak pricing: Prices triple during Diwali and the late December holiday period.

Book at least 3-4 months in advance to secure the most competitive fares.
Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) are often slightly cheaper than weekends.
Use MileagePlus points to upgrade to Premium Plus or Polaris for significantly more comfort.

Peak season

December through January

Shoulder season

October, November, and March

Off-peak season

May through August

Tours and experiences at either end

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

Browse tours

When to fly

Best Time to Fly San Francisco to Delhi

01
Winter (November to February)
The most comfortable weather for exploring Delhi, though flights are most expensive.
02
Summer (April to June)
Extreme heat in India leads to lower airfares and fewer crowds.
03
Monsoon (July to September)
Rainfall is heavy but the surrounding landscape is at its greenest.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Tech Professionals

Direct access between the Silicon Valley and India's growing tech hubs.

Families

Non-stop service is much easier for children and elderly travelers than connecting flights.

Luxury Travelers

The Polaris cabin offers a true lie-flat experience for the long-haul segment.

Connections & alternatives

Kathmandu

Delhi is the primary transit point for travelers heading to the Himalayas.

Agra

Just a few hours by train from Delhi, home to the Taj Mahal.

Mumbai

United offers seamless connections to India's financial capital from Terminal 3.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the San Francisco-Delhi Route

Visa & entry

US citizens require a valid Indian e-Visa or a regular visa before boarding.
Passports must have at least six months of validity and two blank pages.
Keep a digital copy of your return flight itinerary for Indian immigration officials.

Airport transfers

The Delhi Metro Airport Express is the fastest way to reach New Delhi Railway Station.
Avoid unofficial taxi touts waiting inside the arrivals terminal.
Pre-book a hotel shuttle if arriving after midnight for a smoother experience.

Baggage & transit

Check the specific 2-bag allowance for international economy to avoid heavy excess fees.
Label your luggage with contact info in both English and Hindi if possible.
Pack essential medications and a change of clothes in your carry-on for the 16-hour journey.

Checklist

Valid Passport and Indian Visa
Universal power adapter (Type D/M)
Noise-canceling headphones
Hydration tablets and skin moisturizer

Carriers

Airlines Flying San Francisco to Delhi

United

Daily

Exclusively utilizes the Boeing 777-200ER on this specific route code.

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying San Francisco to Delhi.

How long is the non-stop flight from SFO to Delhi?

The flight typically takes between 15 hours and 30 minutes to 16 hours, depending on the flight path and winds.

What aircraft does United use for the SFO-DEL route?

United primarily operates the Boeing 777-200ER on this route, which features Polaris, Premium Plus, and Economy cabins.

Are meals provided on the flight from San Francisco to Delhi?

Yes, United provides multiple complimentary meals, snacks, and a full beverage service throughout this long-haul journey.

Which terminal does United fly out of at SFO?

United international flights depart from the International Terminal G at San Francisco International Airport.

Do I need a visa to travel from the US to Delhi?

Yes, most foreign nationals, including US citizens, must obtain an Indian visa (such as an e-Visa) before arrival.

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Where to next.

Structured data verified

Airports

San Francisco (SFO) (SAN)Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)San Francisco International Airport Indira Gandhi International Airport

Countries & layovers

United States India Delhi layover guide San Francisco layover guide

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Three steps

1Use the Borderly flight tracker to monitor real-time tail numbers and delays.
2Register your flight in the United app to receive gate change notifications.
3Keep a digital travel log of your transpolar crossing for personal records.

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