$189 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Panama City (ECP)
Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to Northwest Florida Beaches Intl. Airport (ECP)
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
DeltaDelta
UnitedUnited
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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Panama City (SFO-ECP)
Alternative airports near Panama City
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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San Francisco (SFO) to Panama City (ECP) at a glance
Travel from San Francisco (SFO) to Panama City (ECP) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Discover cheap flights from SFO and explore weekly flights that cater to both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking full-service options. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway to experience Panama City’s vibrant neighborhoods or famous landmarks, you can compare itineraries that align with your schedule and travel preferences. Get all the essential details for your journey from San Francisco International Airport to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.
- Fastest flight duration: around 5h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 2,100 miles (3,380 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $150–$530, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines frequently selected for flights from San Francisco to Panama City, typically featuring one-stop services. Common layover points include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) also with a 1 hour and 30 minutes layover, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a similar layover duration. These options provide you the flexibility to choose based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.
- American Airlines: This comprehensive airline provides one-stop flights, capturing about 42% of departures on this route. One-way tickets usually range from $150 to $520. Expect an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
- United: Another full-service option, United offers one-stop service and holds around 26% of the departures. Fares for one-way journeys generally fall between $165 and $690. With an estimated flying time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, the overall trip takes about 7 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
- Delta: Delta, also a full-service airline, provides one-stop service and makes up approximately 24% of the route's departures. One-way fares typically range from $150 to $550. The flight time is about 5 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel duration of roughly 7 hours and 15 minutes, including any layover.
- Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest Airlines offers one-stop services, contributing to about 8% of the departures on this route. One-way fares are usually between $190 and $470. Expect about 5 hours and 45 minutes in the air, with an overall journey time of around 7 hours and 15 minutes, including a layover.
Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Panama City (ECP)
The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Panama City are February, March, and October, when peak temperatures in Panama City reach up to 72°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 79.5°F. For better deals, August and October usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $233. Flight availability peaks in March, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. November has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: August and October usually offer good deals with average one-way fares around $233, roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average.
- More budget-friendly months to fly: September and November typically offer average one-way fares of around $238.
- Most flight options: March has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Panama City, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 54.1°F (12.3°C) | Average | 8 | $305 |
| February | 57.9°F (14.4°C) | High | 8 | $370 |
| March | 62.8°F (17.1°C) | High | 10 | $327 |
| April | 68.4°F (20.2°C) | Average | 8 | $303 |
| May | 75.0°F (23.9°C) | Average | 8 | $325 |
| June | 81.1°F (27.3°C) | Average | 8 | $331 |
| July | 82.6°F (28.1°C) | Average | 9 | $270 |
| August | 82.8°F (28.2°C) | Average | 8 | $233 |
| September | 79.5°F (26.4°C) | Low | 8 | $235 |
| October | 72.0°F (22.2°C) | High | 9 | $233 |
| November | 62.4°F (16.9°C) | Low | 7 | $242 |
| December | 58.1°F (14.5°C) | Low | 8 | $328 |
*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 Francisco (SFO) to Panama City (ECP)
- San Francisco to Fort Walton Beach (SFO-VPS): Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) is located approximately 46 miles from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). On this route, one-way economy fares generally fall between $165 and $530, varying according to the season and timing of your booking. Typically, travelers will encounter one-stop flights, with common layover points at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and Delta, with first-class service also available.
- Oakland to Fort Walton Beach (OAK-VPS): Oakland International Airport (OAK) lies about 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), while Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) is around 46 miles from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). One-way economy fares on this route typically range from $175 to $365, influenced by the season and advance booking. Travelers can choose between multi-stop and one-stop flights, with popular layovers at Nashville International Airport (BNA) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Leading airlines for this route include the budget-friendly Southwest Airlines and Delta.
How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Panama City (ECP)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Panama City is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Evening departures from 6 p.m. to midnight often provide lower prices, while morning flights from 5 a.m. to noon are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday typically results in cheaper fares, though Thursday remains the busiest travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport from San Francisco International Airport
Panama City welcomes travelers from San Francisco with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Panama City efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Panama City, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Northwest Florida Beaches 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 Panama City Flights
The cheapest times to fly from San Francisco to Panama City
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 Panama City are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Panama City with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from San Francisco to Panama City
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Francisco to Panama City: 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 Panama City
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 Panama City in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $189 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 Panama City 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 Panama City 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $189 and cheap return flights $417 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $169 and $854, and return flights often range between $438 and $1432. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SFO to ECP is December when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
Enter SFO to ECP and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Northwest Florida Beaches Intl. (ECP), with round-trip tickets starting from around $316. This flight includes a layover in Harry Reid Intl. (LAS). 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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 time to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) usually departs at 12:05 AM, operated by United Airlines. This seasonal service is active in April, giving you a head start on your travels to Florida. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Panama City, FL (ECP) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 25% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Panama City with plenty of time to enjoy the day.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
A flight from SFO to ECP with a layover takes around 9 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 2,141 miles. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
You can fly first class between SFO and ECP. First class cabins are available on:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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 Panama City from San Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
From San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly into Northwest Florida Beaches Intl. (ECP) and Tocumen Intl. (PTY) in Panama City. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Denver Intl. (DEN), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS) before reaching Panama City. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) flight and hotel package 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches 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 Francisco Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Northwest Florida Beaches Intl. Airport |
Distance | 2,140 miles away |
Airlines serving | Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, United |
Popular airline | Southwest Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $417 |