$19 Cheap Flights to Richmond, CA

Flights to Richmond at a glance

Traveling to Richmond is straightforward; you can select from full-service or low-cost airlines, compare travel times, and choose flights that fit your budget and itinerary. Whether you're looking for direct flights or cheap flights from San Francisco, you'll find options that allow you to explore the city's iconic attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Richmond: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK)
• Closest (typical) airport to Richmond: Oakland International Airport, OAK (around 17 miles)
• Flights per week: 8,600+ flights arriving across Richmond airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Richmond: around 85+ carriers

Popular airports near Richmond

Richmond is a vibrant city ideal for outdoor adventures, family getaways, and urban escapes. Visitors are drawn to its stunning scenery, rich cultural offerings, and nearby beaches. The city is conveniently accessible through two major airports, making travel planning straightforward for those looking to explore the area.

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Situated in San Mateo County, California, approximately 22 miles from Richmond, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel, linking around 240+ domestic cities and over 340 international destinations. Passengers can opt for enhanced comfort by upgrading to first class, business class, or premium economy service, depending on their chosen routes and airlines. Major carriers operating here include United, Alaska Airlines, and Delta.
• Oakland International Airport (OAK): Found in Alameda County, California, roughly 17 miles from Richmond, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, connecting travelers to about 100 domestic cities and more than 20 international locations. For added comfort, passengers can choose to upgrade their experience to premium economy, first class, or business class service, based on their airline and route. Notable airlines serving this airport include Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Volaris.

Top routes to Richmond

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

Cheapest routes to Richmond

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

• United: This airline operates flights to both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), representing approximately 28% of arrivals in Richmond. The average one-way ticket costs about $1020, with premium cabin choices including premium economy, business, and first class based on the route.
• American Airlines: Offering service to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), this carrier is responsible for around 13% of arrivals in Richmond. The typical one-way fare hovers around $410, with premium cabin options such as premium economy, business, and first class varying by route.
• Southwest Airlines: This airline flies to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), contributing to approximately 13% of Richmond's arrivals. Passengers can expect average one-way fares of about $240, making it a budget-friendly travel choice.
• Delta: Providing service to both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), Delta accounts for around 12% of arrivals in Richmond. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $320, with premium service options including premium economy, business, and first class depending on the route.
• Alaska Airlines: Operating flights to both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), this airline makes up roughly 10% of arrivals in Richmond. The average one-way fare stands at approximately $250, with premium cabin services such as business and first class available depending on the specific route.

Best time to fly to Richmond

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Richmond are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Richmond can reach up to 56.3°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 66.4°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.

*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 Richmond

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Richmond 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 Richmond flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Richmond

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

• Public transportation: From San Francisco International Airport, the nearest transport option is San Francisco Intl. Airport Station, a metro station located about 0.2 miles away by walking, while San Bruno Station, a train station, is situated approximately 2.4 miles from the airport and is best accessed by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Richmond, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Richmond is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Richmond 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 Richmond

• Pinole: Pinole is located 5 miles drive away from Richmond and offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore local attractions like the historic University of California, Berkeley, and enjoy the scenic beauty of nearby urban parks and the bay. Shopping enthusiasts will find a vibrant shopping mall center, making it a great spot for a relaxed city experience. Don't miss the chance to check out Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island for unique outings.
• Emeryville: Emeryville is located 7 miles drive away from Richmond and is a hub for culture and outdoor experiences. This city features a variety of educational venues, theaters, and a shopping mall center. Key attractions include the University of California, Berkeley, and the lively Jack London Square, perfect for soaking in the urban atmosphere. For those looking to explore more, Pier 39 offers a charming waterfront experience, making it an excellent destination for families.
• Downtown Berkeley: Downtown Berkeley is located 7 miles drive away from Richmond and is a thriving center for culture and entertainment. This vibrant neighborhood is home to numerous theaters and music venues, making it ideal for arts enthusiasts. The historic University of California, Berkeley, adds to the cultural richness, while the nearby marina provides scenic views and outdoor opportunities. Visitors can also venture to Jack London Square and Pier 39 for additional city experiences and fun.

Tips for short-haul flights to Richmond

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, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, donning your bulkiest clothing, and organizing outfits efficiently. This strategy also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights frequently lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself 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—for both short and domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Richmond

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 complimentary seat selection as soon as online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines even allow seat selection earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to account for check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore 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 to align your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to correspond with your destination's time zone. Aim 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 Richmond

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Richmond 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Richmond in 2026 starts from $43, while one-way tickets start from from $19. 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 Richmond. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Richmond

Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Richmond. 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 Richmond and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Richmond, 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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 Richmond

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 Richmond.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Richmond are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Richmond. 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 Richmond 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 Richmond. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Richmond 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 Richmond. 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.