San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the main airports in California. It is 13 miles to the southern side of downtown San Francisco. It is a huge gateway to Europe and Asia and serves nearly 58 million passengers each year.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is one of the best and busiest public airports in the world. It is situated in the Special Administrative Region of The People’s Republic of China. It sits on Chek Lap Kok Island to the west of Hong Kong City. There are nearly 100 flights available for travelers going from SFO to HKG every week. They are offered by more than five airlines operating between the two cities. The main ones include Air China, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, China, Asiana, United, China Eastern, Hong Kong Airlines, and American Airlines.
A direct flight distance between SFO to HKG is approximately 6,921 miles. Cathay Pacific, United, Singapore, American, and Hong Kong Airlines all fly offer direct flights between the two cities. Their direct flights take approximately 14 hours. Nonetheless, numerous other flights feature one diversion at most.
With layovers in different cities, different flights take varying duration to reach Hong Kong from San Francisco. The longest flight is offered by Emirates and stops at Dubai International Airport (DXB). It takes 46 hours and 35 minutes. Major connecting cities are Beijing, Seoul, and Manila.
There are a variety of transport options that make it easy and convenient to get to SFO. The public transport options include the BART rapid rail, Caltrain commuter rail, and SamTrans buses. Travelers can also rent a car, hire a taxi, or share vans. Those looking for exquisite travel can get limousines and chartered buses. An automated people mover ferries people to and from various airport gates and terminals.
HKG also has an automated people mover, which is underground. It transports passengers every five minutes between the airport’s two terminals. There are three expansive parking lots available to all, as well as numerous public means to get to and from the airport to Hong Kong City. Public transport options include trains and buses. There is also car rental, taxi services, and ride-sharing vans.
All visitors in Hong Kong must have a passport with at least one-month validity beyond their planned stay in the city. Also, they must provide proof that they have sufficient funds to sustain them over the stay. An onward ticket is another requirement before leaving the airport.
Hong Kong is 15 hours ahead of San Francisco. Also, Hong Kong does not experience the same weather like San Francisco. The average temperature in Hong Kong is 43 F higher than that of San Francisco. Hong Kong experiences a subtropical climate with hot, humid, and rainy months. San Francisco, on the other hand, has mildly moist winters and dry summers.
Travelers can use their driving license to drive through Hong Kong City, provided it is in English. An international driving license is nonetheless a safer alternative. Travelers can also get a temporary or full Hong Kong driving license upon arrival. However, the driving license is not proof of identification, and travelers should always carry a valid passport.
October to December or autumn is the best time to visit Hong Kong when the weather is less oppressive. It is considered to be the high-season when it is mostly sunny and clear, encouraging most outdoor activities.
The most acceptable currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar. As of October 3rd, one Hong Kong Dollar is worth 0.13 US Dollars. Travelers from the United States should exchange their money to the local currency either at SFO before departing or at HKG once they land.
There are several etiquette aspects that travelers should know when interacting with Hong Kong residents. It is, for instance, improper to pat an elderly or influential person on the back.
Climb Up the Peak
The peak tram offers a quick and picturesque opportunity to get to Hong Kong’s topmost point. Travelers can then get a chance to have an incredible bird’s eye view of the metropolis.
Visit the Big Buddha
The Tian Tian Buddha is the largest outdoor seated Buddha in the world. Travelers also get an opportunity to get stunning views of Lantau Island.
Hop on the Star Ferry
It is a cheap and historic transport option between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. It has both an upper and lower deck, both offering breathtaking views of the city.
BudgetAir.com finds the flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong that's right for you. BudgetAir.com compares hundreds of flights from a range of airlines, regular and low cost carriers, from the United States (United Airlines and American Airlines) and abroad (AerLingus, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, China Airlines, and more).