$136 Cheap Flights from Cleveland (CLE) to San Francisco (SFO)

Cleveland (CLE) to San Francisco (SFO) at a glance

Travel from Cleveland (CLE) to San Francisco (SFO) with a range of airlines offering various options on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you're looking for full-service or budget-friendly choices, you can compare itineraries to find the best fit for your schedule and budget. As you prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco, check out the essential details for flights from Hopkins International Airport to San Francisco International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 5h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 2,200 miles (3,540 km)
• Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $110–$440, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Cleveland to San Francisco, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover airports include Denver International Airport (DEN), Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), and O'Hare International Airport (ORD), each with approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of layover time. This variety allows you to customize your travel experience by balancing cost, total travel duration, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary for your journey.

• United: As a full-service airline, United provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, typically priced between $145 and $550 for one-way tickets. This carrier constitutes about 41% of departures on the route, with average non-stop flight times around 5 hours and 30 minutes.
• Delta: Delta operates as a full-service airline, specializing in one-stop flights with one-way fares generally ranging from $120 to $455. It accounts for about 17% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time nearing 7 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
• Southwest Airlines: This low-cost carrier offers one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $115 and $380. Southwest makes up around 15% of all departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey duration of about 7 hours and 45 minutes, including connections.
• Frontier Airlines: Operating as a budget-friendly airline, Frontier provides one-stop services with one-way prices that generally range from $110 to $245. This carrier represents about 13% of route departures, with a flight duration of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes and a combined travel time of around 7 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.
• American Airlines: As a full-service option, American Airlines offers one-stop flights priced between $110 and $425 for one-way tickets. It makes up roughly 12% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of about 7 hours and 45 minutes, including layover times.

Travelers flying from Cleveland to San Francisco have the option to upgrade their service. Both United and Delta offer first class and premium economy class cabins for a more comfortable journey.

Best time to fly from Cleveland (CLE) to San Francisco (SFO)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Cleveland to San Francisco are March, April, and June, when peak temperatures in San Francisco reach up to 62.1°F in June. 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 $216. Flight availability peaks in May, June, and July, with approximately 30 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and February have the fewest flights, with approximately 18 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $216, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: June, August, and January typically offer average one-way fares of around $230.
• Most flight options: May, June, and July have the highest number of flights from Cleveland to San Francisco, with approximately 30 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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.

Alternative routes from Cleveland (CLE) to San Francisco (SFO)

• Cleveland to Oakland (CLE-OAK): Oakland International Airport (OAK) lies approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). One-way economy prices for this journey generally fall between $150 and $370, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Flights on this route often include both one-stop and multi-stop options, with common layover points at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Major airlines for this route include Southwest Airlines and Delta, and first-class service is also available.
• Akron to San Francisco (CAK-SFO): Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is located roughly 40 miles from Hopkins International Airport (CLE). On this route, one-way economy fares typically range from $145 to $515, varying by season and booking time. This route is generally served by one-stop flights, commonly connecting through O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Leading carriers for this journey are American Airlines and United, with first-class service options also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Cleveland (CLE) to San Francisco (SFO)

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

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often have lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most sought after. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically offers better deals, though Friday remains the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. 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.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at San Francisco International Airport from Hopkins International Airport

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

• 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 from San Francisco International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at San Francisco International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco Intl. Airport Station, a metro station, is located just 0.2 miles away on foot, while San Bruno Station, a train station, is about 2.4 miles away by car, providing convenient access to both metro and train services.

Cleveland to San Francisco Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Cleveland to San Francisco

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Cleveland to San Francisco are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Cleveland to San Francisco with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Cleveland to San Francisco

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Cleveland to San Francisco: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Cleveland to San Francisco

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Cleveland to San Francisco in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $136 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Cleveland to San Francisco flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Cleveland to San Francisco airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

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