B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 290; Flight Crew Type 390
Situational Awareness; Confusion; Human-Machine Interface
Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airspace Structure; Chart Or Publication; Human Factors; Procedure
We were cleared direct NRRLI on the SERFR 3. I line selected NARWL; brought it to the top of the LEGS page; and confirmed with the Captain 'looks good?' He replied 'looks good.' A while later; approximately 10 miles south/southeast of point NRRLI; ATC asked 'are you direct NRRLI?' The Captain replied 'affirm; direct NARRLI.' We then both reviewed the STAR and the Captain noticed point NRRLI. We then reloaded the STAR and headed directly towards NRRLI. Once we executed the direct NRRLI; the aircraft turned approximately 10-20 degrees from our previous heading to NARWL. Nothing more was said from ATC; the rest of the flight was uneventful.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Air carrier flight crew on arrival to SFO airport reported navigating to the wrong fix due to similar sounding names NARWL AND NRRLI.