Flights to San Francisco

Compare fares to SFO, Oakland and San José, plan the best time to go, and book your San Francisco trip with 24/7 support.

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About San Francisco

San Francisco is known for the Golden Gate Bridge, steep hills, historic cable cars, and colorful neighborhoods such as Chinatown, North Beach, and the Mission. The city is also a gateway to the wider Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main airport, while Oakland and San José offer convenient alternatives within the Bay Area.

  • Main airportSFO
  • Other airportsOAK, SJC
  • Best time to visitSep–Nov
  • Time zonePacific (PT)

San Francisco Airports

  • SFOSan Francisco International
  • OAKOakland International
  • SJCSan José Mineta International

SFO handles the largest share of international and long-haul flights. Oakland, across the Bay, and San José, in the South Bay, mainly serve domestic routes and can be closer to some parts of the region. BART trains connect both SFO and Oakland airports to downtown San Francisco.

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

September and October are often the warmest and sunniest months in San Francisco. Summer is popular with visitors but can be surprisingly cool and foggy, so pack layers.

Spring brings mild weather and blooming parks, while winter is the rainy season, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Top Things to Do in San Francisco

  • Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island.
  • Ride a historic cable car over the city's hills.
  • Explore Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39.
  • Wander through Chinatown and North Beach.
  • Spend an afternoon in Golden Gate Park.
  • Take a day trip to the Napa or Sonoma wine country.

Airlines Flying to San Francisco

San Francisco is a major hub for United Airlines and is served by most other major carriers. Read our guides to baggage rules and check-in:

Tips for Booking Flights to San Francisco

  • Compare SFO, Oakland, and San José for better prices or schedules.
  • Use BART to avoid traffic between the airport and downtown.
  • Morning fog can delay arrivals at SFO, so leave extra time for tight connections.
  • Book early for summer travel and major conference weeks.
  • Review baggage allowances, since fees differ by airline and fare type.

Note: Fares, schedules and availability are set by the airlines and can change at any time until your ticket is issued. Always check your fare conditions before you book.