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$129 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Tampa (TPA)

View $129 flight on Thu, Sep 24, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Tampa (SFO-TPA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $129 for one-way flights and $258 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Wed, Sep 16
SFO
San Francisco
TPA
Tampa
$258 Roundtrip, just found
$258
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from San Francisco to Tampa, returning Wed, Sep 16, priced at $258 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Sat, Oct 31
SFO
San Francisco
TPA
Tampa
$259 Roundtrip, just found
$259
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from San Francisco to Tampa, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $259 just found
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Sep 13 - Sun, Sep 20
SFO
San Francisco
TPA
Tampa
$260 Roundtrip, just found
$260
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Sep 13 from San Francisco to Tampa, returning Sun, Sep 20, priced at $260 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Sat, Oct 31
SFO
San Francisco
TPA
Tampa
$264 Roundtrip, just found
$264
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from San Francisco to Tampa, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $264 just found
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Thu, Oct 29
SFO
San Francisco
TPA
Tampa
$268 Roundtrip, just found
$268
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from San Francisco to Tampa, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $268 just found
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Sep 24 - Sun, Sep 27
SFO
San Francisco
TPA
Tampa
$269 Roundtrip, just found
$269
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 24 from San Francisco to Tampa, returning Sun, Sep 27, priced at $269 just found
Alaska Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Fri, Nov 6
SFO
San Francisco
TPA
Tampa
$299 Roundtrip, just found
$299
Roundtrip
just found
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from San Francisco to Tampa, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $299 just found
United
Fri, Oct 30 - Sat, Oct 31
SFO
San Francisco
TPA
Tampa
$354 Roundtrip, just found
$354
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from San Francisco to Tampa, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $354 just found
American Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Sat, Oct 31
SFO
San Francisco
TPA
Tampa
$372 Roundtrip, just found
$372
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from San Francisco to Tampa, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $372 just found
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Thu, Nov 5
SFO
San Francisco
TPA
Tampa
$372 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$372
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from San Francisco to Tampa, returning Thu, Nov 5, priced at $372 found 2 hours ago

Alternative airports near Tampa

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

Select flight to Tampa Intl. TPA. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $279
TPA
Tampa Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $279

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Tampa (TPA)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $240 - $250 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from San Francisco Intl. to Tampa Intl.

San Francisco (SFO) to Tampa (TPA) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering weekly flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) on this domestic long-haul journey. Whether you prefer full-service options or low-cost carriers, you can compare itineraries to find the best fit for your budget and travel schedule. Discover essential route information to help you plan your visit to Tampa and its renowned attractions.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,400 miles (3,860 km)
  • Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$465, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tampa International Airport (TPA)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Francisco to Tampa, offering both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with about a 1h 15m layover, Denver International Airport (DEN) at approximately 1h 30m, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a 1h 15m layover. This variety allows you to mix and match factors like price, overall travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • United: As a full-service airline, United provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $145 to $565. This carrier represents about 47% of departures on this route, and the average non-stop flight time is approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Delta: Delta operates as a full-service airline offering one-stop flights, with typical one-way fares between $140 and $405. It accounts for around 15% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 7 hours and 45 minutes, including the layover.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines also provides one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $130 to $465. It makes up approximately 15% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of around 7 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: This low-cost airline presents a variety of options, including non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop services, with one-way fares typically between $145 and $390. Southwest accounts for roughly 13% of departures on this route, with an average one-stop flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes and an overall travel time of about 7 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: As a budget carrier, Frontier offers one-stop services, with one-way fares generally ranging from $130 to $250. It constitutes about 7% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes, including any layover.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from San Francisco to Tampa with several top airlines. United Airlines provides both first class and premium economy service, while American Airlines features first class. Delta also offers both first class and premium economy for added comfort.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Tampa (TPA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Tampa are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Tampa reach up to 73.4°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 83.5°F. For better deals, July usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $227. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 37 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $227, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $253.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Tampa, with approximately 37 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January60.8°F (16.0°C)High27$260
February64.4°F (18.0°C)Average31$266
March67.6°F (19.8°C)High34$291
April73.4°F (23.0°C)High32$268
May78.1°F (25.6°C)Average35$260
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Average34$270
July83.1°F (28.4°C)Average30$227
August83.5°F (28.6°C)Low24$253
September81.3°F (27.4°C)Low25$271
October76.1°F (24.5°C)Low29$275
November68.9°F (20.5°C)Average33$284
December64.9°F (18.3°C)Average37$308

*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 route from San Francisco (SFO) to Tampa (TPA)

  • Oakland to Tampa (OAK-TPA): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). One-way economy tickets for this journey generally fall between $155 and $400, varying by season and when you book. Travelers can choose from one-stop and multi-stop flights, with common layover locations at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Major airlines serving this route include the budget-friendly Southwest Airlines and Delta.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Tampa (TPA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Tampa 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 coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Early morning departures (12 AM-5 AM) often offer lower prices, although morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically yields cheaper fares, while 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 Tampa International Airport from San Francisco International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Tampa, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Tampa International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Tampa 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 Tampa International Airport, Tampa Seaport, a seaport, is located about 9 miles away by car, while Tampa Union Station, a train station, is situated approximately 9.2 miles from the airport, also typically accessed by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $129 and cheap return flights from $258 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $199 and $1200, and roundtrip flights usually range from $350 to $1452. 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SFO to TPA is September 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
United operates around 31 direct flights from SFO to TPA every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
JetBlue Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Tampa, FL (TPA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $320. 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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 airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Tampa, FL (TPA) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from SFO to TPA, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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.
How many flights per day from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
There are approximately 4 nonstop flights per day from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Tampa Intl. (TPA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) usually departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by United. This seasonal service is available in March and April, giving you a chance to arrive in Tampa early in the day. 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 31% 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 arrive in Tampa with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
Direct flights from SFO to TPA usually take about 5 hours 20 minutes, traveling roughly 2,389 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 2 hours 30 minutes to your journey. 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from SFO to TPA. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from San Francisco (SFO) to Tampa (TPA) typically costs between $2,370 - $3,139. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $848 - $1,137. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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 Tampa from San Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
From San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly into Tampa Intl. (TPA) to reach Tampa. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Portland Intl. (PDX), San Diego Intl. (SAN) before reaching Tampa. 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) Tampa 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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
Tampa Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$258
Distance
2388 mi
Average flight time
5 hours 17 mins

Book with confidence

San Francisco to Tampa Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Francisco to Tampa

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

 

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

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

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 Tampa in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $129 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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