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$26 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

View $26 flight on Thu, Aug 27, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO)

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Cheap Flights from San Diego to San Francisco (SAN-SFO)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $26 for one-way flights and $52 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Fri, Sep 11
SAN
San Diego
SFO
San Francisco
$52 Roundtrip, just found
$52
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from San Diego to San Francisco, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $52 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 4 - Sun, Sep 6
SAN
San Diego
SFO
San Francisco
$53 Roundtrip, just found
$53
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 4 from San Diego to San Francisco, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $53 just found
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Aug 13 - Mon, Aug 17
SAN
San Diego
SFO
San Francisco
$56 Roundtrip, just found
$56
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Aug 13 from San Diego to San Francisco, returning Mon, Aug 17, priced at $56 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Aug 21 - Tue, Aug 25
SAN
San Diego
SFO
San Francisco
$61 Roundtrip, just found
$61
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Aug 21 from San Diego to San Francisco, returning Tue, Aug 25, priced at $61 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 4 - Mon, Sep 14
SAN
San Diego
SFO
San Francisco
$63 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$63
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 4 from San Diego to San Francisco, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $63 found 16 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Aug 21 - Sun, Aug 23
SAN
San Diego
SFO
San Francisco
$66 Roundtrip, just found
$66
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Aug 21 from San Diego to San Francisco, returning Sun, Aug 23, priced at $66 just found
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Fri, Sep 11
SAN
San Diego
SFO
San Francisco
$85 Roundtrip, just found
$85
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from San Diego to San Francisco, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $85 just found
Alaska Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Tue, Sep 22
SAN
San Diego
SFO
San Francisco
$90 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$90
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 12 from San Diego to San Francisco, returning Tue, Sep 22, priced at $90 found 16 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Oct 7 - Mon, Oct 12
SAN
San Diego
SFO
San Francisco
$157 Roundtrip, just found
$157
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from San Diego to San Francisco, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $157 just found
American Airlines
Wed, Dec 2 - Wed, Dec 9
SAN
San Diego
SFO
San Francisco
$159 Roundtrip, just found
$159
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Dec 2 from San Diego to San Francisco, returning Wed, Dec 9, priced at $159 just found

Alternative airports near San Francisco

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to San Francisco Intl. SFO. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 19 minutes. Flights from $141
SFO
San Francisco Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center19 min
Flights from $141

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $56 - $103 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from San Diego Intl. to San Francisco Intl.

San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO) at a glance

Travel between San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO) with a range of airlines on this short domestic route. Discover affordable flights from San Diego and compare options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to find the itinerary that best suits your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to explore San Francisco's iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, you can easily check essential details for flights from San Diego International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, including flight times.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 450 miles (725 km)
  • Flights per week: around 120+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $30–$260, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Diego to San Francisco, especially for non-stop and one-stop options. Common layovers include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with approximately a 1-hour layover, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with about a 1 hour and 45 minutes layover, and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) which typically has a 1 hour and 15 minutes layover. These choices allow you the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to find your ideal itinerary.

  • United: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares generally falling between $30 and $285. United operates roughly 35% of the flights on this route, with a standard non-stop travel duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Alaska Airlines: Another full-service option, Alaska Airlines offers non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $30 to $265. They represent about 33% of departures here, and a typical non-stop flight takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest provides non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop flights, with one-way fares usually between $35 and $300. This airline accounts for approximately 23% of flights on this route, with non-stop journeys lasting about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: A low-cost alternative, Frontier Airlines features non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares generally ranging from $30 to $210. They make up about 4% of the departures on this route, with non-stop flight times typically around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • American Airlines: As a full-service provider, American Airlines offers both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way ticket prices usually ranging from $80 to $420. They account for roughly 2% of departures for this route, with an average non-stop travel time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Travelers flying from San Diego to San Francisco have the option to enhance their journey with upgraded flight services. Alaska Airlines provides first class and business class, while United Airlines features first class and premium economy. American Airlines also offers first class for a more comfortable travel experience.

Best time to fly from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Diego to San Francisco are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in San Francisco reach up to 55.8°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 62.6°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $92. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 136 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 99 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $92, roughly 19% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: June typically offers an average one-way fare of around $99.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from San Diego to San Francisco, with approximately 136 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Slightly High99$121
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Average104$115
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Slightly High123$118
April55.8°F (13.2°C)Slightly High121$119
May58.1°F (14.5°C)Average124$92
June62.1°F (16.7°C)Average130$99
July63.1°F (17.3°C)Average125$105
August64.2°F (17.9°C)Average126$115
September64.9°F (18.3°C)Slightly Low125$112
October62.6°F (17.0°C)Slightly Low136$110
November56.1°F (13.4°C)Average130$125
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Slightly Low126$134

*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 San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

  • San Diego to Oakland (SAN-OAK): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). One-way economy fares on this route generally vary from $45 to $335, influenced by the season and time of booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Major airlines operating on this route include low-cost Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Additionally, there are business and first class service options available for passengers.
  • Carlsbad to San Francisco (CLD-SFO): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) lies roughly 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). One-way economy prices for this route typically fall between $115 and $285, depending on the time of year and how early tickets are purchased. Non-stop and one-stop flights are commonly offered on this route. United and American Airlines are the primary carriers for this journey, with first class service also available for travelers.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego 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, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Departures in the morning, from 5 AM to 12 PM, not only offer lower prices but are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Friday can provide both more affordable rates and increased travel demand.
  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 San Diego International Airport

San Francisco welcomes travelers from San Diego 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 about 0.2 miles away on foot, while for train travel, San Bruno Station is approximately 2.4 miles from the airport and accessible by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $26 and cheap return flights from $52 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $80 and $612, and return flights often range between $161 and $921. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
March is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to San Francisco, with average round-trip fares around $152. This price is about 12% lower than the average for the year, as demand is typically lower in early spring. Other budget-friendly months to consider are April and May.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
Choose from 8 airlines operating direct flights from SAN to SFO:

  • United operates around 76 direct flights from SAN to SFO every week
  • Hawaiian Airlines operates around 24 direct flights from SAN to SFO every week
  • Frontier Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from SAN to SFO every week
  • Japan Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from SAN to SFO every week
  • Condor operates around 7 direct flights from SAN to SFO every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
Alaska Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO), with round-trip tickets starting from around $171. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines offers the most daily flights from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO), which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
When flying from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO), March and May are the best months to consider. Average return flight prices are around $152 in March, making it an affordable option. May also offers good prices, allowing you to enjoy the spring bloom in the Bay Area.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
You can find approximately 18 nonstop flights per day from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically departs at around 12:20 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in June, giving you a chance to start your trip to the Bay Area early. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United, Alaska Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it lets you maximize your day in San Francisco after arriving.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from SAN to SFO takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 447 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 4 hours 40 minutes longer than direct options. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the SAN to SFO route with JetBlue Airways and American Airlines.First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines

How much is a business class flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
A non-stop, one-way business class flight from San Diego, CA (SAN) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) is usually around $314 - $464 per adult. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for San Francisco from San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
From San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly into San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to reach San Francisco. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC) before reaching San Francisco. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) San Francisco Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
San Diego Intl.
Destination airport
San Francisco Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$52
Distance
446 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 36 mins

Book with confidence

San Diego to San Francisco Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Diego 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 San Diego to San Francisco are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Diego to San Francisco with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to San Francisco in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $26 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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.

 

San Diego to San Francisco Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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