Cheap Flights to San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities on the West Coast of the United States, known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, cable cars, and its thriving technology and business community. The city also serves as the gateway to Northern California, Silicon Valley, Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, and the Pacific Coast. The San Francisco Bay Area is served by three major commercial airports, giving travelers excellent flexibility depending on their airline, destination, and budget. Travobooker compares fares across every Bay Area airport and hundreds of airlines, helping you find the best available flight in just a few clicks. Every fare includes taxes, fuel surcharges, and our service fee, with no hidden charges added during checkout.

San Francisco Bay Area Airports

Three major airports serve the San Francisco Bay Area. The best airport for your trip depends on where you are staying, your airline, and whether you are traveling for business or leisure.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport is the region's primary international gateway and one of the busiest airports in the United States. Located approximately 13 miles south of Downtown San Francisco, SFO serves more than 120 domestic and international destinations. It is a major hub for United Airlines and an important operating base for Alaska Airlines. The airport offers extensive nonstop services throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) provides direct rail service between the airport and Downtown San Francisco in around 30 minutes. Travelers can also use taxis, ride-share services, airport shuttles, rental cars, and public buses.

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Oakland International Airport is located approximately 20 miles east of Downtown San Francisco and serves as a popular alternative for travelers looking for competitive fares. The airport is well known for its extensive domestic network, particularly with Southwest Airlines, while also offering selected international flights to Canada, Mexico, and Central America. BART connections via the Oakland Airport Connector provide convenient access to Downtown Oakland and San Francisco.

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

San Jose Mineta International Airport is situated about 45 miles south of Downtown San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is a preferred airport for travelers visiting San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and surrounding technology hubs. Airlines including Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and several international carriers operate regular services from San Jose. Rental cars, ride-share services, buses, and light rail connections make onward travel convenient throughout Silicon Valley.

Popular Routes to San Francisco

New York to San Francisco
Los Angeles to San Francisco
Chicago to San Francisco
Seattle to San Francisco
Portland to San Francisco
San Diego to San Francisco
Las Vegas to San Francisco
Phoenix to San Francisco
Denver to San Francisco
Dallas to San Francisco
Atlanta to San Francisco
Toronto to San Francisco
Vancouver to San Francisco
London to San Francisco
Paris to San Francisco
Frankfurt to San Francisco
Tokyo to San Francisco
Seoul to San Francisco
Singapore to San Francisco
Sydney to San Francisco

Airlines Flying to San Francisco

The following airlines operate regular services to San Francisco across San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Jose Mineta International Airport. Available airlines vary depending on route and travel dates.

United Airlines
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Southwest Airlines
JetBlue
Air Canada
WestJet
British Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Lufthansa
Air France
KLM
Emirates
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Japan Airlines
All Nippon Airways
Korean Air
EVA Air
Turkish Airlines
Aer Lingus
Fiji Airways
Qantas
Hawaiian Airlines

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

San Francisco welcomes visitors throughout the year, although weather patterns differ from many other California cities due to the city's coastal climate.

Spring (March to May) brings mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer visitors than the busy summer months. Clearer skies become more common later in the season, making it an excellent time to visit attractions such as Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz Island, and the waterfront.

Summer (June to August) is the busiest tourism season despite cooler temperatures and the city's famous coastal fog. Visitors enjoy festivals, outdoor events, baseball games, and sightseeing across the Bay Area. Airfares and hotel prices generally increase during school holidays.

Autumn (September to November) is widely considered the best time to visit San Francisco. Warm, sunny weather often continues well into October, while crowds begin to decline after the summer peak. This season also offers excellent opportunities to visit nearby wine regions including Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

Winter (December to February) is the coolest and wettest period of the year. Rainfall is more frequent, although temperatures remain relatively mild compared with much of the United States. Holiday events, festive decorations, and lower visitor numbers outside Christmas and New Year make winter an appealing option for budget-conscious travelers.

Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to San Francisco

The San Francisco Bay Area is served by three major airports, giving travelers more opportunities to compare schedules and prices before booking.

Compare fares across San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Jose Mineta International Airport. While SFO offers the largest selection of international flights, Oakland and San Jose frequently provide competitive pricing on domestic routes and may be more convenient depending on your final destination.

January, February, September, and early November often offer some of the most affordable airfares. Summer holidays, Thanksgiving week, Christmas, and major technology conferences typically see higher travel demand and prices.

Booking your flight four to seven weeks before departure often delivers good value for domestic travel. International travelers generally benefit from booking several months ahead, particularly for peak summer and holiday travel.

Travobooker's flexible payment option allows you to secure your booking by paying 50% upfront and complete the remaining balance up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport should I fly into for San Francisco?

San Francisco International Airport is the best option for most international travelers and visitors staying in San Francisco. Oakland International Airport and San Jose Mineta International Airport are excellent alternatives depending on your airline, destination, and budget.

How do I get from San Francisco International Airport to Downtown San Francisco?

The BART rail system provides direct service between San Francisco International Airport and Downtown San Francisco in approximately 30 minutes. Taxis, ride-share services, airport shuttles, rental cars, and public buses are also readily available.

What is the best time of year to visit San Francisco?

September and October are generally considered the best months to visit thanks to warmer weather, clearer skies, and fewer crowds than during the summer season. Spring is also an excellent time for sightseeing.

Which airlines operate the most flights to San Francisco?

United Airlines operates a major hub at San Francisco International Airport. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and many other international carriers also provide regular service.

Is San Francisco a good base for exploring Northern California?

Yes. San Francisco provides easy access to Silicon Valley, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and California's Pacific Coast, making it one of the best starting points for exploring Northern California.