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$117 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN)

View $117 flight on Sat, Oct 17, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Madison (SFO-MSN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $117 for one-way flights and $222 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 24
SFO
San Francisco
MSN
Madison
$222 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$222
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from San Francisco to Madison, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $222 found 3 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Fri, Oct 23
SFO
San Francisco
MSN
Madison
$231 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$231
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from San Francisco to Madison, returning Fri, Oct 23, priced at $231 found 10 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Thu, Sep 17
SFO
San Francisco
MSN
Madison
$240 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$240
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from San Francisco to Madison, returning Thu, Sep 17, priced at $240 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
SFO
San Francisco
MSN
Madison
$251 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$251
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from San Francisco to Madison, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $251 found 10 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Sep 24 - Sun, Sep 27
SFO
San Francisco
MSN
Madison
$260 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$260
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 24 from San Francisco to Madison, returning Sun, Sep 27, priced at $260 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Sat, Oct 17
SFO
San Francisco
MSN
Madison
$277 Roundtrip, found 23 hours ago
$277
Roundtrip
found 23 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from San Francisco to Madison, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $277 found 23 hours ago
United
Sat, Nov 14 - Sat, Nov 21
SFO
San Francisco
MSN
Madison
$336 Roundtrip, found 23 hours ago
$336
Roundtrip
found 23 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Nov 14 from San Francisco to Madison, returning Sat, Nov 21, priced at $336 found 23 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Tue, Oct 27
SFO
San Francisco
MSN
Madison
$341 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$341
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from San Francisco to Madison, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $341 found 17 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Oct 21 - Tue, Oct 27
SFO
San Francisco
MSN
Madison
$341 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$341
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from San Francisco to Madison, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $341 found 17 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, Sep 29 - Wed, Oct 21
SFO
San Francisco
MSN
Madison
$601 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$601
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 29 from San Francisco to Madison, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $601 found 10 hours ago

Alternative airports near Madison

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

Select flight to Dane County Regional MSN. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 11 minutes. Flights from $429
MSN
Dane County Regional
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center11 min
Flights from $429

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN)

October is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $231 - $882 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from San Francisco Intl. to Dane County Regional

San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN) at a glance

Embark on your journey from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) with a variety of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. Explore the latest deals on flights and daily fares as you compare choices between full-service and low-cost carriers. Whether you're looking for the next flight that meets your schedule or planning to explore Madison's renowned attractions and neighborhoods, you'll find the perfect itinerary to suit your travel needs.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 6h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,800 miles (2,900 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $140–$525, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)

According to the latest traveler bookings, the top airlines for flights from San Francisco to Madison are favored for both one-stop and non-stop options. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) at around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Denver International Airport (DEN), also about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your itinerary based on price, total travel time, and cabin class preferences.

  • American Airlines: As a comprehensive carrier, American Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally falling between $145 and $580. It accounts for nearly 46% of flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 6 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
  • United: United Airlines offers both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $145 to $590. This airline represents roughly 26% of the departures for this route, featuring a standard journey time of 5 hours and 15 minutes in the air and a total travel duration of around 6 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Delta: Delta, another full-service airline, provides one-stop flights with one-way fares generally priced between $145 and $550. It makes up about 24% of this route's departures, and passengers can expect an in-flight time of 5 hours and 15 minutes, culminating in a total journey length of approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes when including layovers.
  • Frontier Airlines: A budget-friendly option, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop service, with one-way fares typically ranging from $140 to $265. It accounts for about 3% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours and 15 minutes, and a total trip time of roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
  • Alaska Airlines: As a full-service carrier, Alaska Airlines provides one-stop flights with one-way fares usually ranging from $305 to $745. It makes up around 1% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 5 hours and 15 minutes and an overall travel duration of approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from San Francisco to Madison, with both American Airlines and United offering first-class service for this route.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Madison are April, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Madison reach up to 71.6°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 62.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $220). Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 21 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 12 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $220, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $240.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Madison, with approximately 21 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January18.7°F (-7.4°C)Average13$261
February20.7°F (-6.3°C)Average12$286
March34.7°F (1.5°C)Average13$374
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Moderately High15$295
May57.9°F (14.4°C)Average16$283
June67.6°F (19.8°C)Average16$279
July71.6°F (22.0°C)Moderately High21$262
August69.8°F (21.0°C)Moderately High20$240
September62.8°F (17.1°C)Moderately Low14$220
October50.0°F (10.0°C)Average20$249
November37.0°F (2.8°C)Moderately Low14$343
December26.6°F (-3.0°C)Moderately Low14$267

*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 Madison (MSN)

  • San Carlos to Madison (SQL-MSN): Located about 10 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Carlos Airport (SQL) serves this route.
  • Oakland to Madison (OAK-MSN): Oakland International Airport (OAK) lies approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), providing convenient access for travelers.
  • San Francisco to Janesville (SFO-JVL): Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport (JVL) is situated roughly 39 miles from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), connecting these two locations.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Madison 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, between 5 AM and 12 PM, tend to offer lower prices and are also popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday not only provides cheaper rates but is also the most favored 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 Dane County Regional Airport from San Francisco International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Madison, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Dane County Regional Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Dane County Regional 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 Dane County Regional Airport, Madison Station, a train station, is located about 7.2 miles away by car, while Madison Dutch Mill Park and Ride, a bus station, is about 9.2 miles away by car, providing convenient options for travelers seeking public transportation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $117 and cheap return flights from $222 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $188 and $982, and return flights often range between $383 and $1530. 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
September is typically the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Madison, WI (MSN), with average round-trip fares around $388. This is about 18% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand is generally lower after the summer travel season. Other budget-friendly months include January and February.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
Enter SFO to MSN 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN), with round-trip tickets starting from around $234 with a layover in Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW). 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional), 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
The best time to fly from San Francisco to Madison is typically in September or January. During these months, you can find return flights at around $388, making them the cheapest options. September is a great time to enjoy the early fall weather, while January offers lower travel demand, allowing for more affordable fares.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Madison, Wisconsin (MSN) typically departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by United. This is a seasonal service active in March and April, allowing you to start your journey early and make the most of your time in Madison. 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Madison (MSN) are in the morning, from 6am to 9am. About 32% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it lets you arrive in Madison with plenty of time to explore the city.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
Flights from SFO to MSN with one stop typically take around 8 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 1,768 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
First class is available on flights from SFO to MSN. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) 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 Madison from San Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
If you're planning to travel to Madison from San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly into Dane County Regional (MSN) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA) before reaching Madison. 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) Madison 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) 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
Dane County Regional
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$222
Distance
1768 mi

Book with confidence

San Francisco to Madison Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Francisco to Madison

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

 

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

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

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 Madison in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $117 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Francisco to Madison Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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