PHL to SFO Flight Deals: Fly from the Birthplace of Liberty to the Golden Gate
Cheapest flight found
$149
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: PHL → SFO
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$149
Highest Fare
$284
Median Fare
$224
Price Spread
$135
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $149)
Most expensive month: April 2026 (from $284)
Biggest price drop caught: $75 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: Frontier
What This Means for You
Flights from Philadelphia to San Francisco range from $149 to $284, 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 $75 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
Philadelphia (PHL)
To
San Francisco (SFO)
Airport Information
Philadelphia (PHL)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves as a major hub for American Airlines and is conveniently located just seven miles from the city center. It features seven terminals connected by walkways and shuttles, offering an array of local dining options like Chickie's & Pete's for a taste of Philly before you depart. The airport is easily accessible via the SEPTA Regional Rail, making it a stress-free starting point for your journey to the West Coast.
San Francisco (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the world's most modern aviation facilities, renowned for its Wag Brigade of therapy animals and its impressive SFO Museum exhibits located throughout the terminals. Situated 13 miles south of downtown, SFO offers excellent connectivity via the BART rapid transit system, which provides a direct link to the heart of the city and the East Bay. The airport is a primary hub for United Airlines and a major gateway for international travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from PHL to SFO?
A direct flight typically takes about 5 hours and 45 minutes to 6 hours, though duration can vary based on wind speeds and weather conditions.
Which airlines offer direct flights between Philadelphia and San Francisco?
American Airlines and United Airlines are the primary carriers offering frequent non-stop service on this specific transcontinental route.
Is there a significant time difference between Philadelphia and San Francisco?
Yes, Philadelphia is in the Eastern Time Zone, which is three hours ahead of San Francisco’s Pacific Time Zone.
What is the best way to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
The BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train is the most efficient and cost-effective method, providing a direct link from the airport terminals to the heart of the city.
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