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$503 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

View $503 flight on Sun, Sep 6, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro (SFO-GIG)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $503 for one-way flights and $739 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Copa
Tue, Oct 13 - Tue, Nov 3
SFO
San Francisco
GIG
Rio de Janeiro
$739 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$739
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Copa flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, returning Tue, Nov 3, priced at $739 found 5 hours ago
Delta
Mon, Jun 21 - Wed, Jun 30
SFO
San Francisco
GIG
Rio de Janeiro
$751 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$751
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Jun 21 from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, returning Wed, Jun 30, priced at $751 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Tue, Nov 3
SFO
San Francisco
GIG
Rio de Janeiro
$751 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$751
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, returning Tue, Nov 3, priced at $751 found 5 hours ago
United
Tue, Aug 11 - Tue, Aug 25
SFO
San Francisco
GIG
Rio de Janeiro
$751 Roundtrip, just found
$751
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Tue, Aug 11 from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, returning Tue, Aug 25, priced at $751 just found
American Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Wed, Nov 4
SFO
San Francisco
GIG
Rio de Janeiro
$755 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$755
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, returning Wed, Nov 4, priced at $755 found 5 hours ago
Delta
Mon, Jun 21 - Wed, Jun 30
SFO
San Francisco
GIG
Rio de Janeiro
$758 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$758
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Jun 21 from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, returning Wed, Jun 30, priced at $758 found 1 day ago
Copa
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Nov 4
SFO
San Francisco
GIG
Rio de Janeiro
$759 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$759
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Copa flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, returning Wed, Nov 4, priced at $759 found 5 hours ago
United
Tue, Aug 11 - Tue, Aug 25
SFO
San Francisco
GIG
Rio de Janeiro
$762 Roundtrip, just found
$762
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Tue, Aug 11 from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, returning Tue, Aug 25, priced at $762 just found
United
Tue, Aug 11 - Tue, Aug 25
SFO
San Francisco
GIG
Rio de Janeiro
$762 Roundtrip, just found
$762
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Tue, Aug 11 from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, returning Tue, Aug 25, priced at $762 just found
LATAM Airlines Group
Sun, Jan 17 - Thu, Jan 28
SFO
San Francisco
GIG
Rio de Janeiro
$772 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$772
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select LATAM Airlines Group flight, departing Sun, Jan 17 from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, returning Thu, Jan 28, priced at $772 found 17 hours ago

Alternative airports near Rio de Janeiro

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

Select flight to Santos Dumont SDU. Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 2 minutes. Flights from $1,448
SDU
Santos Dumont
Closest
Average driving time to city center2 min
Flights from $1,448

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

May is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $738 - $811 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from San Francisco Intl. to GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.

San Francisco (SFO) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) at a glance

Embark on an exciting journey from San Francisco (SFO) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) with a range of airlines ready to serve you on this long-haul international route. Evaluate your options between full-service airlines and budget carriers to discover the flight itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences while you explore the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Rio. Here, you'll find essential details about flights departing from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 14 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 6,600 miles (10,620 km)
  • Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $380ā€“$1210, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, highlighting both one-stop and multi-stop options. Popular layover spots include Miami International Airport (MIA) with approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) also around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a similar layover time. This variety allows you to mix and match price, overall travel duration, and cabin class to create your ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares generally between $450 and $1215. It represents about 31% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of roughly 14 hours and a total travel duration of around 16 hours.
  • United: As a full-service airline offering one-stop journeys, United's one-way fares typically range from $470 to $1385. It constitutes approximately 18% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 14 hours and a total journey time of about 16 hours, including layovers.
  • Avianca: This full-service carrier specializes in multi-stop services, with one-way fares usually falling between $380 and $875. It accounts for roughly 16% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 14 hours and 45 minutes, with a total journey time close to 20 hours and 30 minutes, including layover periods.
  • Copa: Offering one-stop service, Copa is a full-service airline with one-way fares that can range from $425 to $2230. It makes up about 11% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 14 hours and a total travel time of roughly 16 hours, including layovers.
  • Air Canada: This full-service airline provides both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares generally ranging from $380 to $1780. It accounts for around 7% of departures on this route, featuring a typical in-flight time of 14 hours and an overall journey duration of about 16 hours.

Travelers can enhance their journey from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro by upgrading to business class, with Copa providing excellent service on this route.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Rio de Janeiro reach up to 80.2Ā°F in February. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 72Ā°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $613. Flight availability peaks in February, with approximately 16 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. June and July have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: March usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $613, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: January and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $618.
  • Most flight options: February has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, with approximately 16 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January80.1Ā°F (26.7Ā°C)Average11$614
February80.2Ā°F (26.8Ā°C)High16$747
March78.6Ā°F (25.9Ā°C)High11$613
April75.4Ā°F (24.1Ā°C)High14$829
May72.0Ā°F (22.2Ā°C)Low9$687
June70.3Ā°F (21.3Ā°C)Average8$841
July70.0Ā°F (21.1Ā°C)Average8$722
August70.5Ā°F (21.4Ā°C)Average11$678
September72.9Ā°F (22.7Ā°C)Average13$623
October74.3Ā°F (23.5Ā°C)Low11$701
November75.2Ā°F (24.0Ā°C)Low10$948
December78.1Ā°F (25.6Ā°C)Average13$975

*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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

  • San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro (SFO-SDU): Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is located approximately 9 miles from GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG).
  • Oakland to Rio de Janeiro (OAK-GIG): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is situated roughly 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
  • Oakland to Rio de Janeiro (OAK-SDU): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is about 12 miles away from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), while Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) lies around 9 miles from GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG).

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro 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 at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book two to eight weeks ahead. Early morning flights (12 am-5 am) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 pm-6 pm) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday typically provides cheaper options, even though Thursday is 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 GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport from San Francisco International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Rio de Janeiro, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim 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 GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, Olaria Station, a train station, is located about 4.7 miles away by car, while Maria da Graca Station, a metro station, is approximately 7 miles away by car. Additionally, Terminal RodoviĆ”rio Novo Rio, a bus station, is situated around 9 miles from the airport, all of which are conveniently accessible by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $503 and cheap return flights from $739 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $509 to $2376, and return flights typically cost between $1055 and $4854. 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SFO to GIG is October 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
Enter SFO to GIG 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
Aeromexico is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl. (GIG) with a layover in Mexico City Intl. (MEX), starting from around $1540. 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) usually departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by Avianca. This seasonal service is available from March to October, making it a great option for night owls. 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) are from 12pm to 3pm. About 32% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a leisurely morning in San Francisco before heading to the airport.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
Flights from SFO to GIG with one stop typically take around 21 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 6,612 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the SFO to GIG route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Copa
  • Avianca
  • Air Canada
  • Delta Air Lines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • LATAM Airlines

How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim 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 Keyā„¢, you can also earn OneKeyCashā„¢* 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 Rio de Janeiro from San Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
When traveling from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Rio de Janeiro, you can fly into Santos Dumont (SDU) and Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl. (GIG). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl. (YUL), Miami Intl. (MIA) before reaching Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim 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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) Rio De Janeiro 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim 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.
Destination airport
GaleĆ£o - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.
Airlines serving
Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Azul, Copa, Delta, GOL Linhas Aereas S.A., LATAM Airlines Group, United, avianca
Roundtrip price
$738
Distance
6610 mi

Book with confidence

San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro

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 Thursdayā€”the cheapest day to travel on averageā€”instead of a Sundayā€”the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

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The best time to book a flight from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro: 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.

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How to find cheap round-trip tickets from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro

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 Rio de Janeiro in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $503 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.

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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 Rio de Janeiro 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.

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You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. Thereā€™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.

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*Terms apply.

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

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San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

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