$19 Cheap Flights to San Francisco, CA

Flights to San Francisco at a glance

Traveling to San Francisco is easy; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Compare flight durations and select the option that best fits your budget, timetable, and plans for exploring the city's iconic attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports in and around San Francisco: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK)
• Closest airport to San Francisco: San Francisco International Airport, SFO (within San Francisco)
• Flights per week: 8,600+ flights arriving across San Francisco airports
• Number of airlines that fly to San Francisco: around 85+ carriers

Popular airports in and around San Francisco

San Francisco is a vibrant metropolis ideal for family getaways, outdoor adventures, and urban explorations. Travelers flock to this city for its family-friendly attractions, cultural experiences, and business opportunities. It is conveniently served by two major airports.

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Situated in San Mateo County, California, SFO is a key hub for both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to over 240 domestic cities and 340 international destinations. Passengers can opt for an upgrade to first class, business class, or premium economy seating for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route chosen. Major carriers operating at this airport include United, Alaska Airlines, and Delta.
• Oakland International Airport (OAK): Located in Alameda County, California, just about 12 miles from San Francisco, OAK offers services for both domestic and international travelers, connecting to approximately 100 domestic cities and more than 20 international destinations. Travelers can upgrade to premium economy, first class, or business class seating for a more comfortable journey, contingent upon the airline and route. Notable airlines serving this airport include Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Volaris.

Top routes to San Francisco

• Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), with one-way flights starting at around $45
• New York (JFK/LGA) to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), with one-way flight options from around $100
• San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), with one-way flights starting at around $30
• Las Vegas (LAS) to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), with one-way airfare from around $40
• Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), with one-way fares starting at around $60

Cheapest routes to San Francisco

• San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $30
• Orange County (SNA) to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), with cheap one-way fares from around $30
• Burbank (BUR) to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), with low one-way fares from around $30
• Ontario (ONT) to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), with affordable one-way prices from around $30
• Palm Springs (PSP) to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $30

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to San Francisco

• United: Offering flights to both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), United captures about 28% of the traffic arriving in San Francisco. The typical one-way fare stands at around $1020, with premium service options like premium economy, business, and first class varying by route.
• American Airlines: This carrier operates flights exclusively to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), making up roughly 13% of the arrivals. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $410, and premium service options may include premium economy, business, and first class based on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: With routes to both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), Southwest Airlines accounts for approximately 13% of arrivals in San Francisco. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $240, making it a budget-friendly choice.
• Delta: Delta operates to both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), contributing around 12% of the city's incoming flights. Passengers can expect one-way fares averaging about $320, with premium service options like premium economy, business, and first class based on the route.
• Alaska Airlines: Flying to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), Alaska Airlines represents around 10% of arrivals in San Francisco. The average one-way ticket price is roughly $250, with premium cabin options including business and first class depending on the route.

Best time to fly to San Francisco

The most popular months for travelers to fly to San Francisco are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in San Francisco can reach up to 55.8°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 64.9°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $240, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, October, and February offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $245 to $260, making them good options for flexible travelers.

Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Average one-way Fare
January	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	$359
February	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	$260
March	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	$272
April	55.8°F (13.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	$279
May	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	$240
June	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	$262
July	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	$279
August	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	$267
September	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	$245
October	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	$249
November	56.1°F (13.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	$263
December	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	$289

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to San Francisco

Getting some of the best deals on flights to San Francisco is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our San Francisco hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your San Francisco flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in San Francisco

San Francisco welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach San Francisco efficiently:

• Public transportation: From San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco Intl. Airport Station (a metro station) is conveniently located just 0.2 miles away on foot, while San Bruno Station (a train station) is situated about 2.4 miles from the airport and typically reached by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Francisco, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in San Francisco is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in San Francisco on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in San Francisco

• San Mateo: San Mateo is located in the area of San Francisco and is a delightful city for families and business travelers alike. Known for its vibrant outdoor spaces, visitors can enjoy the scenic San Francisco Bay and explore the nearby San Mateo County Event Center for various events and conferences. Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the local mall, while those seeking a cultural experience can visit Stanford University, a historic institution with beautiful architecture and rich history.
• South San Francisco: South San Francisco is located in the area of San Francisco and offers a mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. This city features the expansive Golden Gate Park, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. The South San Francisco Convention Center is ideal for business gatherings, while the local arena entertainment facility hosts various events. With a vibrant urban park and a charming tourist precinct, there's plenty for visitors to explore and enjoy in this bustling city.
• Daly City: Daly City is located in the area of San Francisco and is an excellent destination for those seeking family-friendly activities and outdoor fun. Visitors can unwind at Golden Gate Park, which offers ample green space for recreational activities. The Cow Palace serves as an arena entertainment facility, hosting a variety of events. Additionally, San Francisco State University, a historic college, is nearby, providing a glimpse into the local culture and education scene. With its beautiful parks and community spirit, Daly City is a great spot to experience the area's charm.

Tips for short-haul flights to San Francisco

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and organizing your outfits wisely. This approach also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment. To stay engaged, download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to show up at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account traffic and potential security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to keep hydrated and save on costs at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to San Francisco

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports provide free Wi-Fi for your convenience.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by resetting your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.