Charter route · West Coast
Seattle → San Francisco
KBFI → KSQL · 601 nm · 1h 49m typical block · $18,000–$25,500 midsize jet
601 nm
Distance
1h 49m
Block time (midsize jet)
$18,000–$25,500
Typical one-way estimate
4
Operators at the endpoints
The Seattle–San Francisco run covers 601 nautical miles, typically flown on a midsize jet in about 1h 49m block time from KBFI to KSQL.
San Francisco peaks Year-round — strongest demand around winter and spring and summer and fall. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in season; slots and ramp space at KSQL tighten around holidays and major events.
Cost by aircraft class
| Class | Typical aircraft | Seats | Block | One-way est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 | 6–9 | 2h 35m | $8,000–$11,000 |
| Light Jet | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 | 4–7 | 1h 52m | $13,000–$18,000 |
| Midsize JetTypical | Citation XLS+, Learjet 60XR | 7–9 | 1h 49m | $18,000–$25,500 |
| Super-Midsize Jet | Citation Longitude, Challenger 350 | 8–12 | 1h 44m | $21,000–$29,000 |
| Heavy Jet | Gulfstream G550, Global 6000 | 12–19 | 1h 42m | $29,000–$40,500 |
Estimates only — class rate card × block time on great-circle distance +8% routing, the same math as the cost estimator. Real quotes vary with dates, positioning, and demand.
Airport options
Rated operators on this route
Operators based at either end fly it without positioning an aircraft first — often the sharpest quotes.
Based near Seattle
Based near San Francisco
04 / Answers
Seattle to San Francisco: what fliers ask
How long is the flight from Seattle to San Francisco?
The trip covers about 601 nautical miles. Plan on roughly 1h 49m block time on a midsize jet — a light jet runs about 1h 52m, a heavy jet about 1h 42m. Block time includes taxi and climb, not just cruise.
How much does a private jet from Seattle to San Francisco cost?
One-way estimates run $18,000–$25,500 on a midsize jet, the class most travelers book at this distance. Across the whole rate card the spread is $8,000 (turboprop) to $40,500 (heavy jet). Real quotes move with dates, positioning, and demand.
Which airports do private jets use between Seattle and San Francisco?
Departures typically use KBFI, KRNT, KPAE; arrivals use KSQL, KSFO, KOAK, KSJC. When KSQL is slot-restricted or weathered in, nearby alternates include KPAO, KNUQ, KCCR, KSUU.
What size aircraft is right for Seattle to San Francisco?
At 601 nm, most charters book a midsize jet (Citation XLS+, Learjet 60XR, 7–9 seats). Larger cabins fly it faster with more room; smaller classes trade comfort for price.
Are there empty-leg flights from Seattle to San Francisco?
Empty legs on this route are posted by operators as repositioning flights come up — they clear in hours, not days. Watch the empty-legs board or set an alert to catch the next one.