$138 Cheap Flights to San Francisco

Flights to San Francisco at a glance

Traveling to San Francisco is easy; you can select from various full-service or budget airlines. Evaluate flight times and choose the option that best aligns with your budget, schedule, and plans to visit the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near San Francisco: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
• Flights per week: 2,050+ flights arriving at San Francisco airport
• Number of airlines that fly to San Francisco: around 25+ carriers

Popular airport near San Francisco

San Francisco is a charming destination that attracts travelers with its outdoor activities, stunning scenery, adventurous spirit, family-friendly attractions, and beautiful beaches. This quaint village is conveniently served by a major airport, enhancing accessibility for visitors.

• Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Situated in Cantón Alajuela, Alajuela Province, approximately 12 miles from San Francisco, this airport provides a vital link for both domestic and international travel. It connects to around 8 domestic cities and offers over 230 international destinations. Passengers have the option to enhance their journey with business class, premium economy class, or first-class seating, depending on the airline and route. Notable airlines operating here include United, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.

Top routes to San Francisco

• Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SJO), with one-way fares starting at around $150
• Newark (EWR) to San Francisco (SJO), with one-way airfare from around $120
• New York (JFK/LGA) to San Francisco (SJO), with one-way tickets available from around $110
• Miami (MIA) to San Francisco (SJO), with one-way fares starting at around $95
• Orlando (MCO) to San Francisco (SJO), with one-way flights starting at around $55

Cheapest routes to San Francisco

• Orlando (MCO) to San Francisco (SJO), with budget one-way fares from around $55
• San Juan (SJU) to San Francisco (SJO), with affordable one-way prices from around $90
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to San Francisco (SJO), with cheap one-way fares from around $90
• San Salvador (SAL) to San Francisco (SJO), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $90
• Guatemala City (GUA) to San Francisco (SJO), with budget one-way fares from around $95

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

Top airlines with flights to San Francisco

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), this airline represents about 26% of arrivals to San Francisco. The average fare for a one-way ticket is roughly $320, with options for business class available on certain routes.
• United: This carrier also flies to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), making up approximately 20% of arrivals to San Francisco. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $330, with business class available depending on the itinerary.
• Avianca: Providing service to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Avianca accounts for roughly 11% of arrivals in San Francisco. The average one-way fare is close to $330, with premium cabins potentially including business class on selected routes.
• Copa: Serving Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Copa represents about 11% of arrivals to San Francisco. The typical one-way fare is approximately $310, and business class may be offered depending on the specific route.
• JetBlue Airways: JetBlue operates flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), contributing around 7% of arrivals in San Francisco. Passengers can anticipate an average one-way fare of about $260, with premium economy class available on certain routes.

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.*
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 Juan Santamaría International Airport, Bahia Drake Seaport, a seaport, is located about 1.5 miles away by car, while San Antonio de Belen Station, a train station, is situated approximately 2.8 miles away by car, providing convenient access to both maritime and rail travel.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Francisco, with private rides that 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 around San Francisco

• Rodríguez: Rodríguez is located 4 miles drive away from San Francisco and is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including Poás Volcano National Park, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and adventurous hiking trails. Families can explore the Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, perfect for a romantic stroll or a day out in nature. For a lively experience, head to Parque Viva, an entertainment facility that offers various events and activities for all ages. Rodríguez truly offers a blend of adventure and scenic landscapes.
• Atenas: Atenas is located 9 miles drive away from San Francisco and is a charming city known for its outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery. Visitors can explore the local shopping mall and resort options, perfect for a day of leisure. The area is also near stunning beaches and the impressive Palmares Church, which provides a glimpse into the region's culture. Nature lovers will appreciate the Botanical Orchid Garden La Garita, ideal for family outings and romantic escapes. Atenas is a delightful blend of relaxation and exploration.
• Grecia: Grecia is located 4 miles away from San Francisco and offers a unique mix of outdoor activities and scenic attractions. The vibrant city is home to various shopping centers and resorts, catering to different tastes. Adventure seekers can visit Poás Volcano National Park for an unforgettable experience, while families will enjoy the urban oasis of Grecia Park. For a thrilling day, try the zipline ropes course nearby. With its picturesque landscapes and engaging activities, Grecia is a great choice for travelers seeking both excitement and relaxation.

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—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and efficiently planning your outfits. This approach also helps you bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts in advance, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, allowing for traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while 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 crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines allow you to select your seat even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—ensure you arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and readily available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting 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.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to San Francisco

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to San Francisco on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

December is the cheapest month to fly to San Francisco. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to San Francisco. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to San Francisco, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to San Francisco

The lowest price for round-trip flights to San Francisco in 2026 starts from $319, while one-way tickets start from from $138. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to San Francisco. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to San Francisco

American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta, Copa are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to San Francisco. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to San Francisco and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for San Francisco, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to San Francisco. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your San Francisco plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to San Francisco

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to San Francisco.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to San Francisco are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to San Francisco. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to San Francisco for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to San Francisco. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate San Francisco flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to San Francisco. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.