Quick & Affordable Flights from SAN to SFO: Route Guide
Cheapest flight found
$63
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: SAN → SFO
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$63
Highest Fare
$189
Median Fare
$133
Price Spread
$126
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $63)
Most expensive month: April 2026 (from $189)
Biggest price drop caught: $46 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: Frontier
What This Means for You
Flights from San Diego to San Francisco range from $63 to $189, a $126 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 $46 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
San Diego (SAN)
To
San Francisco (SFO)
Airport Information
San Diego (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is unique for its incredibly close proximity to the downtown area, located just three miles northwest of the city center. Known as the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States, it offers a surprisingly efficient experience for travelers. The airport features two main terminals, with the modern Terminal 2 hosting most major domestic carriers and providing high-end local dining options and harbor views.
San Francisco (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves as a premier hub for United Airlines and a major gateway to the Pacific. Located about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, it is world-renowned for its sustainable practices and passenger amenities, including a dedicated yoga room, an accredited museum, and local Bay Area cuisine. The airport is well-connected via the AirTrain and BART, making it easy to reach the city or surrounding Silicon Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the average flight from San Diego to San Francisco?
The average flight time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, though it can be as short as 1 hour and 15 minutes with favorable winds.
Which airlines offer direct flights from SAN to SFO?
Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines frequently offer direct, non-stop service between these two cities.
What is the best way to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
The BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train is the most efficient method, taking about 30 minutes to reach the city center.
How far in advance should I book my flight for the best price?
For this route, booking at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance typically yields the most competitive prices.
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Our Methodology
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