Flight time & jet lag: San Francisco to Los Angeles

San Francisco to Los Angeles: Route overview

This short-haul route from San Francisco (SFO) to Los Angeles (LAX) covers 544 km in approximately 1h 14m to 1h 40m. Since San Francisco and Los Angeles share effectively the same UTC offset, jet lag is not a factor, though the travel time itself can cause fatigue. The route transitions between temperate and subtropical climate zones, so expect a significant change in daylight duration and intensity that influences your circadian adjustment strategy.

What makes the San Francisco–Los Angeles route different

This route is unusual in that it covers a substantial distance (544 km) without crossing time zones. The main challenge is travel fatigue from the short-haul flight rather than circadian disruption, making recovery straightforward — usually within 24 hours.

Arrival strategy for Los Angeles

Arriving in Los Angeles without a time zone change means your body clock is aligned with the local schedule. Focus on staying hydrated during the flight, eating a meal on arrival at a local mealtime, and getting moderate physical activity to counter travel fatigue. Most people feel fully recovered after one good night's sleep.

Circadian rhythm analysis: San Francisco → Los Angeles

Your circadian rhythm remains synchronized with the local day-night cycle in Los Angeles since there is no time zone difference. The primary challenge is travel fatigue from the 1h 14m to 1h 40m flight. Maintain your normal sleep schedule and prioritize hydration.

Pre-departure preparation

With minimal time zone change, no pre-departure sleep adjustment is necessary for this San Francisco to Los Angeles route. Focus instead on arriving well-rested: maintain your normal sleep schedule in the days before travel, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol on the flight.

Your first 72 hours in Los Angeles

Day 1: Arrive in Los Angeles and follow local time immediately. Eat meals at normal local hours and get outside in daylight. Day 2: You should feel fully adjusted. Resume normal activities. Day 3: No residual effects expected.

Recovery timeline

No jet lag recovery needed for this San Francisco to Los Angeles route as both cities share the same time zone offset. Any fatigue should resolve after one night of good sleep.

Route Planner

Adjust departure date for DST-accurate results.

Business hours: San Francisco vs Los Angeles

Seasonal and climate factors

Short-haul flight times on this short-haul route are less affected by seasonal wind patterns, though winter weather can cause delays at both San Francisco and Los Angeles airports. Los Angeles at 34°N experiences moderate seasonal daylight variation. Summer offers longer evenings useful for westward adjustment, while winter's earlier sunsets support eastward adjustment schedules.

How the San Francisco–Los Angeles flight time is estimated

The 1h 14m to 1h 40m estimate for San Francisco to Los Angeles is derived from the 544-km great-circle distance. As a short-haul route, a larger proportion of flight time is spent climbing and descending rather than at optimal cruise altitude, resulting in a lower effective speed of 650–750 km/h. An additional 30–50 minutes accounts for taxi, takeoff, climb, descent, approach, and taxi at both SFO and LAX. Actual routing through controlled airspace may add 3–8% distance beyond the great-circle path due to air traffic corridors and restricted zones along the way.

Wind patterns and flight duration

On this short 544-km route, wind effects are relatively minor compared to the fixed overhead of taxi, takeoff, and landing. The main variable in flight time is airport congestion and weather at SFO and LAX.

Practical travel context

This short-haul route connects San Francisco (United States) with Los Angeles (United States).

Frequently asked questions: San Francisco to Los Angeles

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