Direct Flights from IAH to SFO: Your Ultimate Guide to Houston-San Francisco Travel
Cheapest flight found
$154
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: IAH → SFO
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$154
Highest Fare
$289
Median Fare
$220
Price Spread
$135
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $154)
Most expensive month: July 2026 (from $289)
Biggest price drop caught: $55 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: Frontier
What This Means for You
Flights from Houston to San Francisco range from $154 to $289, a $135 spread across the months we track. If your dates are flexible, May 2026 tends to have the lowest fares. Because prices on this route change significantly, setting up hourly price alerts gives you the best chance of catching a short-lived drop before it corrects. We have caught drops as large as $55 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
Houston (IAH)
To
San Francisco (SFO)
Airport Information
Houston (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) serves as a massive global gateway and a primary hub for United Airlines, located about 23 miles north of downtown Houston. The airport features five expansive terminals connected by an efficient underground train and an elevated Skyway system. Travelers can enjoy a wide variety of Texas-themed dining, high-speed Wi-Fi, and numerous premium lounges. Its sprawling layout requires arriving at least two hours early to navigate security and reach your gate comfortably.
San Francisco (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a world-class facility known for its commitment to sustainability and impressive art exhibitions curated throughout its terminals. Located 13 miles south of the city, SFO offers four modern terminals and serves as a major gateway to the Pacific. Passengers can enjoy unique amenities like a dedicated yoga room, a Napa Valley-inspired wine lounge, and the renowned SFO Museum. The airport's circular layout makes it relatively easy to navigate between the domestic and international sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Houston (IAH) to San Francisco (SFO)?
The average non-stop flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, though tailwinds can sometimes shorten the eastbound return trip.
Which airlines offer non-stop flights on this route?
United Airlines is the primary carrier offering multiple daily non-stop flights between IAH and SFO, as both airports serve as major hubs for the airline.
What is the time difference between Houston and San Francisco?
San Francisco is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is two hours behind Houston's Central Time Zone.
What is the best way to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
The BART train is the most efficient method, costing around $10 and taking about 30 minutes to reach the city center, avoiding the heavy highway traffic on US-101.
Are there sleep pods or lounges available at IAH for long layovers?
While IAH does not have dedicated sleep pods, there are several United Clubs, an American Express Centurion Lounge, and minute suites available for travelers looking for comfort.
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