Cheap Flights from San Francisco to São Miguel Island (SFO-PDL)
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $523 for one-way flights and $835 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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From $697 - $1,227 per traveler.
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San Francisco (SFO) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) at a glance
Travel with a range of airlines that operate routes from San Francisco (SFO) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) on this international long-haul journey. Evaluate options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel aspirations as you experience Ponta Delgada's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Here, you'll find essential information regarding flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to João Paulo II Airport (PDL).
Fastest flight duration: around 11h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 3h 15m layover with one stop
Route distance: roughly 5,000 miles (8,050 km)
Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $255–$875, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL)
According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from San Francisco to Ponta Delgada are favored for their one-stop and multi-stop options. Common layover airports include John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) with a layover of approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and Logan International Airport (BOS) with a longer layover of around 5 hours and 30 minutes. These connections allow you to customize your journey based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.
SATA International-Azores Airlines S.A.: This full-service airline provides a one-stop travel experience, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $425 and $1450. It represents about 49% of all departures along this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 11 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
TAP Portugal: As a full-service carrier, TAP offers both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares typically ranging from $255 to $1295. It makes up around 34% of the departures on this route, with a standard one-stop flying time of 11 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of about 15 hours and 45 minutes.
United: This full-service airline provides one-stop services, with one-way fares usually between $385 and $750. It accounts for roughly 17% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 11 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of around 15 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
Travelers have the option to enhance their experience on flights from San Francisco to Ponta Delgada, as SATA International-Azores Airlines S.A. provides business class service for this route.
Alternative routes from San Francisco (SFO) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Oakland to Ponta Delgada (OAK-PDL): Located approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK) serves as a convenient departure point for this route.
San Jose to Ponta Delgada (SJC-PDL): Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is situated about 30 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), making it another viable option for travelers.
San Francisco to Santa Maria Island (SFO-SMA): Vila Do Porto Airport (SMA) lies around 61 miles from Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL), providing an alternative gateway to this beautiful destination.
How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Ponta Delgada is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers book at least two months in advance. Afternoon departures between 12 PM and 6 PM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday usually provides cheaper prices, even though Tuesday is the most traveled 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.
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 Joao Paulo II Airport from San Francisco International Airport
Ponta Delgada welcomes travelers from San Francisco with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Ponta Delgada efficiently:
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Ponta Delgada, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
Car rental: Renting a car from Joao Paulo II Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Joao Paulo II 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 Joao Paulo II Airport, Ponta Delgada Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, providing easy access for travelers looking to visit the waterfront.
San Francisco to Ponta Delgada Flights
The cheapest times to fly from San Francisco to Ponta Delgada
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 Ponta Delgada are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Ponta Delgada with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from San Francisco to Ponta Delgada
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Francisco to Ponta Delgada: 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 Ponta Delgada
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 Ponta Delgada in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $523 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 Ponta Delgada 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 Ponta Delgada 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $523 and cheap return flights $835 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $516 and $6175, and return flights often range between $1074 and $9349. 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
The cheapest month to fly from SFO to PDL 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
Enter SFO to PDL 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
Porter Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Ponta Delgada (PDL), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,028. 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II), 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Joao Paulo II (PDL) typically leaves at 12:20 AM, operated by United. This seasonal service runs in July and August, allowing you to make the most of your time in the Azores. 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) are in the early afternoon, from 12pm to 3pm. About 27% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Lufthansa, United Airlines and TAP Air Portugal, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to start your journey after a relaxed morning.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
Flights from SFO to PDL with one stop typically take around 16 hours, covering approximately 5,009 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
You can fly business class between SFO and PDL. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
Air Canada
JetBlue Airways
Lufthansa
TAP Portugal
Swiss International Air Lines
American Airlines
British Airways
Iberia
First class is available with United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) 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 Ponta Delgada from San Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
From San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly into Joao Paulo II (PDL) to reach Ponta Delgada. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Frankfurt Intl. (FRA), George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) before reaching Ponta Delgada. 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) 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
Joao Paulo II Airport
Distance
5,008 miles away
Airlines serving
TAP Portugal, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United, Iberia, Swiss International Air Lines, British Airways