Narita to San Diego (NRT–SAN) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
NRT–SAN is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Japan Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 5,545 miles in approximately 9h 35m. Beyond nonstop, 20 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JL Japan Airlines | 4 | 788 | 9h35 | – | Oneworld | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Travel Essentials
NRT: JST · SAN: PDT
When it's 6:00 PM in Narita, it's 2:00 AM in San Diego.
Japanese passport holders can enter the United States for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. ESTA costs $21, is valid for 2 years, and allows multiple entries. You cannot extend a VWP stay or change immigration status. For stays beyond 90 days, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the US Embassy in Tokyo ($185 application fee).
ESTA asks for passport details, employment information, and security questions. Approval is usually instant but can take up to 72 hours. At US immigration, CBP officers may ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Global Entry ($100, valid 5 years) gives you automated kiosks at major airports, skipping the main immigration line. Apply at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov and interview at the US Embassy Tokyo or at a US airport on arrival.
Direct flights from Tokyo Narita and Haneda to major US cities run 8 to 13 hours depending on the destination. ANA, JAL, United, Delta, American, Hawaiian Airlines, and Zipair operate dozens of daily frequencies. Los Angeles is about 10 hours, New York about 13 hours. The US uses the US dollar, trading at roughly 0.0065 USD per JPY. No vaccination requirements. Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is an alternative to Global Entry for faster processing at 30+ US airports, free to use.
The Narita Express (N'EX) runs from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport in 60 minutes, with stops at Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama (¥3,070 one-way from Tokyo; discounted round-trip tickets available). Keisei Skyliner from Ueno takes 41 minutes to Terminal 1 (¥2,570); the faster option from east-side Tokyo. Keisei Limited Express is slower (80 min) but cheaper at ¥1,290.Limousine buses depart from major Tokyo hotels and stations for ¥3,200 and take 75–105 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are extremely expensive (¥20,000–30,000+); avoid unless cost is no concern. The airport is 60 km from central Tokyo.
NRT–SAN Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from NRT to SAN
Narita International Airport (NRT) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) are connected by nonstop service from Japan Airlines. With 4 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
NRT to SAN Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from NRT to SAN ranges from 9 hours 35 minutes. The route covers a distance of 5,545 miles (8,924 km). There are approximately 4 weekly flights outbound and 4 return, totaling 8 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
20 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 11 hours via OAK. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.