San Francisco (SFO) to Manchester (MAN) at a glance

Travel between San Francisco (SFO) and Manchester (MAN) with a selection of airlines servicing this international long-haul route. Evaluate choices from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel aspirations as you set out to experience the renowned sights and neighborhoods of Manchester. Here, you'll find essential information for flights departing from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Manchester Airport (MAN).

• Fastest flight duration: around 11h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 5,200 miles (8,370 km)
• Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $315–$830, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Manchester Airport (MAN)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for journeys from San Francisco to Manchester, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop flights. Common layover points include Dublin Airport (DUB) with approximately a 1-hour layover, Heathrow Airport (LHR) at around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and Schiphol Airport (AMS) with about a 55-minute layover. These options provide the flexibility to balance cost, total travel time, and cabin class in order to secure the best itinerary.

• Aer Lingus: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally ranging from $315 to $810. It accounts for about 33% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 11 hours and 30 minutes, and an overall travel time of around 14 hours, including the layover.
• British Airways: As a full-service carrier, British Airways offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically between $350 and $1675. Representing approximately 17% of departures on this route, passengers can expect a flight time of 11 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of roughly 14 hours, including layover.
• American Airlines: This full-service airline features one-stop options with one-way fares ranging from $370 to $1935. It makes up around 13% of departures for this route, with a consistent in-flight time of 11 hours and 30 minutes, leading to an overall travel duration of approximately 14 hours, factoring in the layover.
• Delta: Offering one-stop service as a full-service carrier, Delta's one-way fare typically falls between $365 and $810. It comprises about 9% of departures on this route, with a flight duration of 11 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of nearly 14 hours, including layover time.
• United: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $340 to $670. United accounts for around 8% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 11 hours and 30 minutes, and a total journey duration of about 14 hours, including layover.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Manchester (MAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Manchester are March, September, and December, when peak temperatures in Manchester reach up to 56.5°F in September. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 39.9°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $459. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 11 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 $459, roughly 22% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: August and January typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $475 to $498.
• Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Manchester, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Average	9	$498
February	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Moderately Low	8	$518
March	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Moderately High	8	$459
April	46.9°F (8.3°C)	Average	8	$646
May	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Average	10	$549
June	57.7°F (14.3°C)	Moderately Low	8	$756
July	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Average	8	$645
August	60.1°F (15.6°C)	Average	8	$475
September	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Moderately High	9	$585
October	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Average	10	$595
November	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Moderately Low	8	$594
December	40.8°F (4.9°C)	Moderately High	11	$746

*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 Manchester (MAN)

• Oakland to Manchester (OAK-MAN): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), providing convenient access for travelers.
• San Francisco to Liverpool (SFO-LPL): Positioned about 24 miles from Manchester Airport (MAN), John Lennon Airport (LPL) offers a gateway to Liverpool for those flying from San Francisco.
• Oakland to Liverpool (OAK-LPL): Oakland International Airport (OAK) lies roughly 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), while John Lennon Airport (LPL) is around 24 miles from Manchester Airport (MAN), connecting these routes seamlessly.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Manchester (MAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Manchester 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 between two to eight weeks ahead. Evening departures from 6 PM to midnight often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are more popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday typically provides cheaper options, even though Friday 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.* Find Manchester 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 Manchester Airport from San Francisco International Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Manchester, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Manchester Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Manchester 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 Manchester Airport, Manchester Airport Station, a metro station, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Heald Green Station, a train station, is situated about 2.2 miles away by car, offering convenient transport options for travelers.