Your complete guide to flights, prices, and useful travel tips from San Francisco to Dubai

When you look up flights from San Francisco to Dubai, the first question everyone asks is, “How long is the flight?” And you have every right to be curious. This isn’t a quick trip. It is about 13,050 km (8,105 miles) from San Francisco to Dubai. Depending on the airline, the winds, and the route, the average flight time is between 15 and 17 hours. If you’re flying Emirates from SFO to DXB, you can expect one of the smoothest long-haul flights because the seats are better, the entertainment is better, and the cabin is generally quieter.

Picture this: You get on your plane at SFO while the sun is still shining in California. You get comfortable, watch movies, and maybe take a nap. After what seems like a long but manageable stretch, you go down over a skyline that looks like a sci-fi movie set.

It’s very important to pick the right airline. Long flights can either wear you out or be surprisingly comfortable. Emirates is the best choice for flights from SFO to DXB, but you can also fly with United and its partners, such as Lufthansa, SWISS, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Air Canada. Emirates usually runs non-stop flights between SFO and DXB. One-stop combinations may be cheaper, but if convenience is your top priority, the Emirates flight is the clear winner.

You don’t want to pay too much for flights from SFO to DXB. No one does. Timing is everything; the best time to book is two to three months in advance. Fridays are usually more expensive, but March to April and October to November are the best times to get a good deal. One-stop flights can be $150 to $300 cheaper than non-stop flights if you don’t mind a layover. In the low season, average fares are between $420 and $480, and roundtrips usually cost between $650 and $900. During the holidays, prices can go up to $1,200–1,600. You get a lot for your money if you pick the right time and route.