$229 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Acapulco (ACA)

San Francisco (SFO) to Acapulco (ACA) at a glance

Discover a range of options for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Acapulco (ACA) on this international long-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service airlines or budget carriers, you can easily compare choices to find the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel schedule. As you prepare for your journey to explore Acapulco's renowned attractions and neighborhoods, gather all the essential details for your flights from San Francisco International Airport to General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 5h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 3h 45m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 2,000 miles (3,220 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $165–$475, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport (ACA)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines frequently chosen for flights from San Francisco to Acapulco, with a focus on one-stop and multi-stop options. Common layover points include Mexico City International Airport (MEX) with approximately a 3h 30m layover, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) at around 4 hours, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with about a 4h 45m layover. This variety allows you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.

• Aeromexico: As a comprehensive airline, Aeromexico provides one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $165 and $480. This carrier represents about 75% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes, totaling around 9 hours and 30 minutes for the entire journey.
• Delta: Delta is a full-service airline offering one-stop journeys, with one-way fares typically ranging from $180 to $475. It makes up about 15% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, culminating in a total travel time of approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
• United: United Airlines operates as a full-service carrier providing one-stop services, with one-way fares usually between $170 and $400. This airline accounts for about 7% of the departures on this route, with the in-flight duration being 5 hours and 45 minutes, and an overall journey time of around 9 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
• American Airlines: This full-service airline offers one-stop travel with one-way fares generally ranging from $165 to $220. American Airlines makes up roughly 3% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, while the total trip takes about 9 hours and 30 minutes, including the layover.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Acapulco (ACA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Acapulco are April, July, and October, when peak temperatures in Acapulco reach up to 82.4°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 80.4°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $232. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: March usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $232, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: January and August typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $238 to $250.
• Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Acapulco, with approximately 10 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 route from San Francisco (SFO) to Acapulco (ACA)

• Oakland to Acapulco (OAK-ACA): Oakland International Airport (OAK) lies approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). One-way economy rates on this journey generally fall between $130 and $570, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Typically, travelers can expect one-stop flights, with popular layover locations including Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL). Major airlines servicing this route are Volaris, known for its budget-friendly options, and Delta.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Acapulco (ACA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Acapulco 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 aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures (5am-12pm) often offer lower prices, while Evening flights (6pm-12am) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday typically results in cheaper fares, although Tuesday is the most sought-after 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.* Find Acapulco hotel and flight deals.
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 General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport from San Francisco International Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Acapulco, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
• Car rental: Renting a car from General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at General Juan N. Alvarez 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.

San Francisco to Acapulco Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Francisco to Acapulco

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 Francisco to Acapulco are during the month of January. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Acapulco with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Francisco to Acapulco: 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 Francisco to Acapulco

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 Francisco to Acapulco in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $229 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 Francisco to Acapulco 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 Francisco to Acapulco 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.