$148 Cheap Flights to San Francisco

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 best option that aligns with your budget, schedule, and plans to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near San Francisco: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Quepos Airport (XQP)
• Closest (typical) airport to San Francisco: Juan Santamaría International Airport, SJO (around 10 miles)
• Flights per week: 2,100+ flights arriving across San Francisco airports
• Number of airlines that fly to San Francisco: around 25+ carriers

Popular airports near San Francisco

San Francisco is a vibrant city ideal for vacations filled with outdoor activities, adventure, and stunning scenery. Travelers are drawn here for family-friendly experiences, eco-conscious options, and urban exploration. The city is primarily accessed through two major airports.

• Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Situated in Cantón Alajuela, Alajuela Province, approximately 10 miles from San Francisco, this airport facilitates both domestic and international flights, linking to around 8 domestic cities and over 230 international destinations. Travelers can opt for business class, premium economy class, or first class seating for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines operating here include United, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.
• Quepos Airport (XQP): Found in Cantón Quepos, Puntarenas Province, roughly 35 miles from San Francisco, this airport primarily provides domestic service. Key airlines serving Quepos Airport include FlexFlight and Servicios Aereos Nacionales S.A., catering to travelers looking for regional connections.

Top routes to San Francisco

• Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SJO), with one-way airfare from 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 flights starting at around $110
• Miami (MIA) to San Francisco (SJO), with one-way flights starting at around $95
• Orlando (MCO) to San Francisco (SJO), with one-way flight options from around $55

Cheapest routes to San Francisco

• Orlando (MCO) to San Francisco (SJO), with low one-way fares from around $55
• San Juan (SJU) to San Francisco (SJO), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $90
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to San Francisco (SJO), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $90
• San Salvador (SAL) to San Francisco (SJO), with cheap one-way fares 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 in San Francisco. The typical one-way fare is around $320, and premium cabin options may include business class based on the route.
• United: Connecting to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), United accounts for approximately 20% of arrivals in San Francisco. Average one-way fares hover around $330, with the possibility of business class service in premium cabins, contingent on the route.
• Avianca: With routes to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Avianca makes up roughly 11% of arrivals to San Francisco. One-way fares average about $330, and premium cabin service can feature business class depending on the specific route taken.
• Copa: Serving Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Copa Airlines contributes around 11% of arrivals in San Francisco. The average one-way fare is approximately $310, and premium cabin options may include business class based on the route.
• JetBlue Airways: JetBlue operates flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), accounting for around 7% of arrivals to San Francisco. One-way fares typically average about $260, with premium economy class available in premium cabins depending on the route.

Best time to fly to San Francisco

The most popular months for travelers to fly to San Francisco are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in San Francisco can reach up to 67.8°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $220), roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October and August offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $224 to $237, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*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.*
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 options.
• 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

• Guadalupe: Guadalupe, located 2 miles drive away from San Francisco, offers a delightful blend of outdoor and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can enjoy the nearby beach and explore the lush landscapes of national and urban parks. Key highlights include Sabana Park, perfect for family outings, the University of Costa Rica, known for its modern architecture, and the National Museum of Costa Rica, which showcases the country's rich culture. Whether you're looking to shop or relax in nature, Guadalupe is a welcoming destination.
• San Francisco: San Francisco is located 4 miles drive away from San Francisco and is a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With its stunning national parks, beautiful beaches, and the majestic volcano nearby, it offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. Travelers can visit Sabana Park for a family picnic or check out the Costa Rica Convention Center for exhibitions and events. The Universidad Nacional also draws visitors with its impressive campus and programs, making this city a lively spot for exploration.
• San Antonio: Located 5 miles drive away from San Francisco, San Antonio is an inviting city that caters to families and outdoor lovers. Enjoy a day at the beach or unwind in urban parks. Notable attractions include Sabana Park, which offers a tranquil space for relaxation, and the Cerro Rabo de Mico, a mountain perfect for adventure seekers. Art lovers will appreciate the Museum of Costa Rican Art, highlighting the country's artistic heritage. San Antonio is an excellent place to experience both nature and culture.

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. Optimize your packing by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning versatile outfits. This approach also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Pre-download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. 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 arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account 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 essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide free seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, find a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and 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 of your arrival 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

October 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 $307, while one-way tickets start from from $148. 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

Frontier Airlines, Sterling Blue, Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, United, 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.