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Flight Route

MadridSan Francisco

Flights from Madrid (MAD) to San Francisco (SFO)

Timezone shift+9hDirectionwestboundFlight time12h 35mDistance9,326 kmDirect1 airlines

Route Profile

Distance

9,326 km

Fastest Flight

12h 35m

Timezone Shift

+9h

Direct Airlines

1

AlliancesStar AllianceSkyTeamOneworld
ClassesEconomyPremium EconomyBusinessFirst
Schedulesumotuwethfrsa
Aircraft
Airbus A330-200

Madrid to San Francisco Flights

Flights from Madrid to San Francisco are operated 6 times a week. Departure times vary between 12:35 and 12:45. You can fly in Y and W and J and F. The flight distance is 9,326 km (5,795 miles).

Arrival Windows

Best times to arrive for faster recovery

Best vs Worst Arrival Times in San Francisco

Best Arrival

7AM7PM

Morning light helps you stay awake longer

Worst Arrival

9PM5AM

Arriving during your body's sleep window makes adjustment harder

The difference:choosing the right arrival window can save 1–2+ days of recovery time.

Arrival Strategy for San Francisco

How to manage jetlag based on arrival time

Morning Arrival

Upon morning arrival, immediately engage with local time by getting natural sunlight and staying active. Avoid long naps and consume light, nutritious meals to help reset your circadian rhythm.

Afternoon Arrival

Afternoon arrivals should minimize caffeine and exposure to screens. Take a short 20-30 minute nap if necessary, but ensure it doesn't extend beyond that to prevent deeper sleep disruption.

Evening Arrival

For evening arrivals, limit heavy meals and alcohol. Create a dark, quiet sleep environment and aim to align with local nighttime as quickly as possible to minimize jetlag impact.

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

Monthly climate overview

Mediterranean

Jan

14°

8°

102mm

Feb

16°

9°

84mm

Mar

17°

10°

76mm

Apr

18°

11°

41mm

May

19°

13°

20mm

Jun

21°

14°

5mm

Jul

22°

14°

0mm

Aug

22°

15°

0mm

Sep

23°

16°

5mm

Oct

22°

14°

20mm

Nov

18°

11°

61mm

Dec

14°

9°

108mm

Jetlag Preparation

Before Flight

  • Start adjusting sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure
  • Stay well hydrated in the days before travel

During Flight

  • Stay hydrated - drink water regularly
  • Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine
  • Stay awake during the flight if possible

After Arrival

  • Get evening light exposure to delay your body clock
  • A short nap is okay if needed, but keep it under 30 minutes
  • Consider melatonin supplements (consult your doctor)
  • Allow yourself 7 days to fully adjust

Airport Recovery Facilities

Jetlag-friendly amenities at each airport

MAD

Sleep Pods
Quiet Zones
Showers
Lounge Beds

Comfort: 5.1/10

SFO

Sleep Pods
Quiet Zones
Showers
Lounge Beds

Comfort: 6.5/10

Min connection: 45min

Top Airlines

Nonstop service on this route

IB
IBERIA
12:35Airbus A330-20012h 35m
IB
IBERIA
12:35Airbus A330-20012h 35m
IB
IBERIA
12:45Airbus A330-20012h 35m

Related Routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More Routes

Other routes to San Francisco

Return & Connections

SFOMAD

Return flight jetlag analysis

Popular connections via:

Madrid to San Francisco Jetlag Recovery Guide

9-hour timezone shift westbound · ~6.9 day recovery — departure timing tips, light exposure schedule, and day-by-day plan

See which flights minimize jetlag on this route

Compare schedules, check award seats, and optimize your arrival

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