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Flight Route

San FranciscoMadrid

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

Timezone shift+9hDirectioneastboundFlight time11h 25mDistance9,326 kmDirect1 airlines

Route Profile

Distance

9,326 km

Fastest Flight

11h 25m

Timezone Shift

+9h

Direct Airlines

1

AlliancesStar AllianceSkyTeamOneworld
ClassesEconomyPremium EconomyBusinessFirst
Schedulesumotuwethfrsa
Aircraft
Airbus A330-200

San Francisco to Madrid Flights

Flights from San Francisco to Madrid are operated 6 times a week. Departure times vary between 17:45 and 17:55. 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 Madrid

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 Madrid

How to manage jetlag based on arrival time

Morning Arrival

Upon morning arrival, immediately expose yourself to sunlight and engage in light activity to reset your circadian rhythm, avoiding heavy meals and extended napping.

Afternoon Arrival

Afternoon arrivals should opt for a brief 20-30 minute power nap, then stay active and hydrated to combat potential afternoon fatigue.

Evening Arrival

Evening arrivals should aim for a light dinner, minimal screen time, and prepare for an early bedtime to align with local sleep patterns.

Best Time to Visit Madrid

Monthly climate overview

Mediterranean continental

Jan

10°

3°

42mm

Feb

12°

4°

38mm

Mar

16°

7°

45mm

Apr

18°

9°

52mm

May

22°

13°

48mm

Jun

28°

17°

35mm

Jul

32°

20°

25mm

Aug

31°

19°

22mm

Sep

27°

16°

38mm

Oct

21°

12°

55mm

Nov

15°

7°

52mm

Dec

11°

4°

48mm

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
  • Try to sleep during the flight to arrive refreshed

After Arrival

  • Get morning sunlight to help reset your circadian rhythm
  • Avoid napping - stay awake until local bedtime
  • Consider melatonin supplements (consult your doctor)
  • Allow yourself 7 days to fully adjust

Airport Recovery Facilities

Jetlag-friendly amenities at each airport

SFO

Sleep Pods
Quiet Zones
Showers
Lounge Beds

Comfort: 6.5/10

Min connection: 45min

MAD

Sleep Pods
Quiet Zones
Showers
Lounge Beds

Comfort: 5.1/10

Top Airlines

Nonstop service on this route

IB
IBERIA
17:45Airbus A330-20011h 25m
IB
IBERIA
17:45Airbus A330-20011h 25m
IB
IBERIA
17:55Airbus A330-20011h 25m

Related Routes

Frequently Asked Questions

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More flights from San Francisco

Return & Connections

MADSFO

Return flight jetlag analysis

Popular connections via:

San Francisco to Madrid Jetlag Recovery Guide

9-hour timezone shift eastbound · ~10.0 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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