$19 Cheap Flights to San Francisco, CA

Cheap Flight Tickets to San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is a favorite destination for travelers who plan ahead. Nestled on a small peninsula, the city boasts world-renowned landmarks and an exceptional culinary scene, while also serving as a convenient gateway to Wine Country and the redwood forests. Getting here shouldn't be the most expensive part of your trip. With 'CheapFareFreak,' you can compare affordable flights to San Francisco, CA, from airports across the country. You can see how fares fluctuate based on the season and the day of the week, allowing you to book a ticket that perfectly aligns with both your schedule and your budget.

Fares to the Bay Area vary based on demand. As a major hub for business travel, tourism, and international flights, the price you pay is heavily influenced by timing and flexibility. This guide explains what constitutes a good fare, which airports and airlines serve the region, and how you can easily find affordable flight deals to San Francisco.

Why book affordable flights to San Francisco through 'CheapFareFreak'?

We created CheapFareFreak for travelers who want to gain a clear understanding of the market landscape before booking their tickets. Our search tool compares fares from both major and budget airlines side-by-side, so you can see the actual price difference between a budget option and a standard fare, rather than having to guess.

• Compare cheap flight tickets to San Francisco across different airlines, flight times, and nearby airports all in a single search.
• Find direct flights to San Francisco, or include connecting flights in your search if they offer significant savings.
• Use the 'flexible dates' search feature to find the lowest fares for a specific week or month.
• View the total cost of your trip before checking out, including any baggage fees charged by the airlines.

Airports in the San Francisco area, SFO, Oakland, and San Jose.

The easiest way to lower your fare is to keep in mind that there are three major airports in the Bay Area. Depending on where you are staying and which airline you choose, any one of these could be the best option for you.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO is the primary airport in the region, located about 13 miles south of downtown. It offers the widest selection of non-stop routes, including long-haul international flights. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines, and is also served by carriers such as Alaska Airlines, Delta, American, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines. The BART (train) system provides direct service to the terminals, reaching downtown in about 30 minutes making travel to and from the city both easy and affordable. Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Located on the other side of the bay, Oakland is often overlooked by first-time visitors. It serves as a major hub for Southwest Airlines and frequently offers low-fare flights to popular domestic destinations. If you plan to spend time in Oakland or Berkeley or don’t mind taking the BART train into San Francisco be sure to check OAK, it could save you a significant amount of money.

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)

SJC is the best option for travelers heading to Silicon Valley, Santa Clara, or the South Bay. It is well-served by Southwest and Alaska Airlines and is generally less crowded than SFO (San Francisco International Airport). Situated about 50 miles from downtown San Francisco, it is better suited for travelers whose plans are focused primarily on the South Bay rather than the city itself.

Advice from our fare experts When searching on 'CheapFareFreak,' include all three airports. Often, the lowest fare is found at an airport that wasn't your first choice and the savings can be enough to cover the cost of a train ride or a rideshare (cab) into the city.

Direct Flights to San Francisco

There are many non-stop flights to San Francisco from major cities across the U.S. Choosing a direct flight saves you valuable time, which you can then spend exploring the city. Typical flight durations for non-stop flights to SFO (San Francisco) are as follows:

• Los Angeles to San Francisco: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
• Seattle to San Francisco: Approximately 2 hours
• Dallas to San Francisco: Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes
• Chicago to San Francisco: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
• Atlanta to San Francisco: Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes
• New York to San Francisco: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes
• Boston to San Francisco: Approximately 6 hours 20 minutes

Fares for direct flights to San Francisco are generally higher than those for connecting flights (flights with a stopover), though this is not always the case. On highly competitive routes such as those from New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles multiple airlines operate non-stop flights, and this competition often keeps fares reasonable. If non-stop options from your city are limited, choosing a connecting flight via a hub like Denver, Phoenix, or Salt Lake City can often result in significantly lower fares; therefore, it is always worth comparing both options.

What to expect regarding fares for flights to San Francisco

Fares depend on your departure city, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. The prices provided below are estimates based on general market trends, not fixed rates. The live fares displayed on 'CheapFareFreak' always reflect current availability.

• For West Coast routes such as those from Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, and Seattle one-way fares can typically range from $50 to $150, especially on weekdays.
• For routes from the central U.S. such as those from Chicago, Dallas, and Denver one-way fares generally fall between $120 and $300, depending on the season.
• For East Coast routes such as those from New York, Washington D.C., and Boston one-way fares often range from $200 to $450. However, promotional offers during sales or off-peak periods can lead to even lower prices.

Prices tend to increase during major holidays, large-scale city conventions, and the peak summer travel season. Therefore, the best way to secure a flight deal to San Francisco is to remain flexible with your travel dates.

Best time to book affordable flights to San Francisco

Cheapest months to travel

January and February are generally the most budget-friendly months, as the holiday rush has subsided and the spring travel season has yet to begin. You can also find good deals from late October to mid-November (excluding the week of Thanksgiving). While the weather is cooler during these months, San Francisco’s temperatures remain quite moderate year-round, making it easy to explore the city even in winter.

Best months in terms of weather

Locals often suggest that September and October are the best months to visit San Francisco. The fog that blankets the city during the summer clears away, and the days become warmer and clearer. While fares during these months are higher than in winter, they are often lower than the peak-season prices seen in July and August.

Best days and timing for booking

Traveling on a Tuesday or Wednesday is typically cheaper than flying on a Friday or Sunday. For domestic travel, booking one to three months in advance often offers the best balance between price and available options. For international trips or travel during holidays, it is advisable to begin your search three to six months ahead of time.

Airlines flying to San Francisco

San Francisco is well-served by both full-service and low-cost carriers, providing travelers with a wide range of options.

• United Airlines maintains its largest West Coast hub at SFO, offering an extensive network of non-stop flights across both domestic and international routes.
• Alaska Airlines offers extensive service along the West Coast, with affordable fares from both SFO and SJC.
• Delta Air Lines and American Airlines connect San Francisco to their major hubs, providing frequent non-stop flights from large cities.
• Southwest Airlines is a primary option for travelers using the Oakland and San Jose airports. Thanks to their generous baggage policy, the gap between a low base fare and the total cost of travel is often significantly smaller.
• JetBlue operates on select routes, particularly from the Northeast. They aim to provide a superior, premium experience at a competitive price point.

Since baggage policies and seat fees vary by airline, the lowest base fare does not always guarantee the cheapest overall trip. Be sure to compare the total cost, especially if you are traveling with checked luggage.

Tips for finding flight deals to San Francisco

• Remain flexible with your travel dates:- Shifting your departure or return by a day or two can lead to significant price differences, especially around the weekend.
• Compare fares across all three Bay Area airports:- SFO, OAK, and SJC as prices can vary between them, even for the same day.
• Consider flights with one stop:- On routes with less competition, itineraries that include a stopover are often cheaper than non-stop flights.
• Avoid weeks when major events are taking place:- Large tech or business conferences can lead to fully booked hotels and higher airfares; check the city’s event calendar before finalizing your dates.
• If possible travel with minimal luggage:- Traveling with only carry-on (hand luggage) means you won't have to pay baggage fees otherwise, such charges could negate the benefits of your discounted fare.
• Book in advance but also keep an eye out for sales:- Airlines frequently offer fare discounts (promotions) throughout the year, and if you remain flexible, you can book immediately whenever you spot a good price.