Cheap flights to San Francisco (SFO)

Search and compare fares to San Francisco across KAYAK, Expedia, and hundreds of airlines. No fake prices. No fake countdowns.

Trip type

We search

Why fly to San Francisco?

San Francisco packs more into seven square miles than almost any American city, and it's one of the most heavily flown markets in the country. SFO is a major United hub with deep nonstop coverage from across the US, and the Bay Area's two alternate airports — Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) — give budget travelers extra leverage to find a cheaper way in. That competition matters here because San Francisco runs expensive once you arrive, so saving on the flight frees up the budget for the rest. The good news is that a lot of the city is free or close to it: walking the Golden Gate Bridge, riding through Golden Gate Park, hiking the Lands End coastal trail, and wandering Chinatown, the Mission's mural-lined alleys, and the Ferry Building all cost little. SFO is also the natural launch pad for California's marquee road trips, from the wine country in Napa and Sonoma to the dramatic Highway 1 drive toward Monterey and Big Sur. One quirk every visitor should pack for: the city's famous fog and cool, layered summers mean July can feel chillier than you'd expect, so leave the shorts-and-tank-top assumptions at home.

Best months to fly to San Francisco

Fares dip in the rainy winter months of January and February, while September and October — the city's warmest, clearest "second summer" — bring better weather at prices below the busy summer peak.

FAQs: cheap flights to San Francisco

Which Bay Area airport is cheapest for flying to San Francisco?
Compare all three. SFO has the most nonstops through United, but Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) often carry lower budget fares and decent transit links into the city. Checking all three airports for your dates is the single best way to cut the cost of a San Francisco trip.
When are flights to San Francisco cheapest?
The lowest fares generally land in the rainy off-season of January and February. For the best mix of price and weather, target September and October, when the fog clears, temperatures peak, and prices sit below the summer high season.
Do I need a rental car in San Francisco?
Not for the city itself — BART, Muni, cable cars, and walking cover most of it, and parking is costly and scarce. A rental makes sense only if you're adding a road trip to wine country, Monterey, or Big Sur, in which case you can pick one up after exploring the city.
Is summer a bad time to visit San Francisco?
It's not bad, but it's misunderstood. June through August bring heavy fog and cool, windy afternoons, especially near the coast, plus peak crowds and fares. Many travelers find the warmer, clearer fall a far better value and a more comfortable visit.
How can I save money once I land in San Francisco?
Lean on free attractions — the Golden Gate Bridge walk, Golden Gate Park, Lands End, and neighborhood wandering cost nothing — and use public transit instead of a rental. Saving on the flight by comparing SFO, OAK, and SJC leaves more room in a notoriously pricey city.

Other popular destinations

Compare cheap flights to these top destinations too.

Flight tips & guides

Practical advice for booking cheap flights to San Francisco and beyond.