$155 Cheap Flights to San Francisco

Flights to San Francisco at a glance

Traveling to San Francisco is a breeze—simply choose between full-service and budget airlines, compare travel times, and select the flight that fits your budget, schedule, and plans to explore the city’s iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.

• Major airports near San Francisco: Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), Amado Nervo National Airport (TPQ)
• Closest airport to San Francisco: Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, PVR (around 18 miles)
• Flights per week: 2,050+ flights arriving across San Francisco airports
• Number of airlines that fly to San Francisco: around 20+ carriers

Popular airports near San Francisco

San Francisco is a vibrant city that caters to business travelers, families, and vacationers alike. Visitors flock to this destination for its urban charm, business opportunities, outdoor activities, and beautiful beaches. The city is conveniently served by two major airports.

• Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR): Situated in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, approximately 18 miles from San Francisco, this airport offers a range of domestic and international services, linking to over 30 domestic cities and more than 195 international locations. Travelers can opt for upgrades to business class, premium economy, or first-class seating for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Notable airlines operating here include American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United.
• Amado Nervo National Airport (TPQ): Found in Nayarit, about 51 miles from San Francisco, this airport facilitates both domestic and international flights, connecting to around 3 domestic locations and 1 international destination. Passengers may select upgrades to business class or premium economy seating for additional comfort, subject to the airline and route. Key airlines serving this airport include Volaris, Aeromexico, and Viva.

Top routes to San Francisco

• Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (TPQ/PVR), with one-way airfare from around $120
• Tijuana (TIJ) to San Francisco (TPQ/PVR), with one-way airfare from around $45
• San Francisco (SFO) to San Francisco (PVR), with one-way flight options from around $140
• Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (PVR), with one-way airfare from around $160
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to San Francisco (PVR), with one-way flights starting at around $160

Cheapest routes to San Francisco

• Morelia (MLM) to San Francisco (PVR), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $25
• Toluca (TLC) to San Francisco (PVR), with budget one-way fares from around $30
• Guadalajara (GDL) to San Francisco (PVR), with cheap one-way fares from around $35
• Zumpango (NLU) to San Francisco (TPQ/PVR), with low one-way fares from around $35
• Queretaro (QRO) to San Francisco (PVR), with cheap one-way fares from around $35

*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 Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), this airline represents about 29% of arrivals in San Francisco. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $310, with business class available on certain routes.
• United: Providing service to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), United accounts for roughly 17% of arrivals in San Francisco. The typical one-way fare is about $300, and premium cabins may feature business class depending on the specific route.
• Delta: This airline flies to both Amado Nervo National Airport (TPQ) and Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), making up approximately 12% of San Francisco arrivals. The average fare for one-way travel is around $290, with possible business class options depending on the route.
• Alaska Airlines: Serving Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), Alaska Airlines constitutes about 9% of arrivals to San Francisco. The average fare for a one-way ticket is approximately $290, with premium service that may include both business and first class on select routes.
• Volaris: Operating flights to Amado Nervo National Airport (TPQ) and Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), Volaris accounts for about 8% of San Francisco arrivals. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $180.

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 72.7°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 78.6°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $210), roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? August, July, and June offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $212 to $227, 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 Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, travelers will find several key transport options nearby. Marina Vallarta Seaport, a seaport, is located about 1.4 miles from the airport by car, while Puerto Vallarta Bus Terminal, a bus station, is approximately 1.7 miles away by car. Additionally, the Cruise Ship Terminal, a cruise terminal, can be reached in about 2.6 miles by car.
• 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

• Sayulita: Sayulita is located 3 miles drive away from San Francisco and is a vibrant city known for its charming atmosphere and family-friendly experiences. Visitors flock to Sayulita for its beautiful beaches, particularly Sayulita Beach, which is perfect for a relaxing beach vacation. The lively Sayulita Square offers a cultural hub where travelers can immerse themselves in local traditions. For those who enjoy scenic views, Gringo Hill provides a fantastic vantage point of the area. Whether you’re looking to shop at the local market or enjoy a round of golf, Sayulita has something for everyone.
• Punta de Mita: Punta de Mita is located 13 miles drive away from San Francisco and is a picturesque destination that combines stunning beaches with a touch of luxury. This city is ideal for beach lovers and those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. Notable highlights include Punta de Mita Beach, perfect for soaking up the sun, and the Punta Mita Golf Club, which attracts golf enthusiasts. The Punta de Mita Sea Pool is a unique water feature that adds to the area’s charm. Visitors will appreciate the vibrant local markets and the opportunity to explore the nearby nature reserve.
• Bucerías: Bucerías is located 13 miles drive away from San Francisco and offers a delightful blend of city life and beach relaxation. This city is known for its welcoming atmosphere and is a great spot for families and business travelers alike. Nuevo Vallarta Beach invites visitors to unwind by the sea, while the Art Walk Bucerias showcases local talent and creativity. For a unique cultural experience, the Tuna Contemporary Ceramics Center provides educational insights into the local craft scene. With lively markets and engaging activities, Bucerías is an inviting destination for all travelers.

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 affordable. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and efficiently planning your outfits. This approach also allows you to bypass waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment. Download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to charge your devices fully before boarding.
• 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 snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money 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 allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive 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 some extra time, explore the shops, enjoy a coffee at a café, 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. 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 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

September 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 $362, while one-way tickets start from from $155. 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, Air Canada, United, Southwest Airlines, Delta, Alaska Airlines 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.