Direct Flights from SFO to JFK: Your Ultimate Transcontinental Travel Guide
Cheapest flight found
$180
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the Aug 6, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: SFO → JFK
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$180
Highest Fare
$299
Median Fare
$274
Price Spread
$119
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: August 2026 (from $180)
Most expensive month: September 2026 (from $299)
Biggest price drop caught: $100 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: American
What This Means for You
Flights from San Francisco to New York range from $180 to $299, a $119 spread across the months we track. If your dates are flexible, August 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 $100 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
San Francisco (SFO)
To
New York (JFK)
Airport Information
San Francisco (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a premier gateway for the Bay Area and a major hub for United Airlines. Known for its commitment to sustainability and local culture, SFO features an impressive aviation museum, quiet yoga rooms, and locally-sourced dining options that highlight California's culinary heritage. Its terminals are efficiently designed, though travelers should use the AirTrain for quick transfers between different boarding areas and the car rental center.
New York (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) serves as the primary international hub for New York City and is located in the borough of Queens. With six active terminals, it is a massive complex that hosts nearly every major global airline. Passengers can easily access Manhattan via the AirTrain JFK, which connects to the MTA subway and the Long Island Rail Road, providing a reliable alternative to the often-congested highway traffic typical of New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the average flight from SFO to JFK?
A direct flight usually takes between 5 hours and 30 minutes to 6 hours, though return flights to San Francisco may take longer due to prevailing headwinds.
Which airlines offer non-stop service on this route?
JetBlue, Delta, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines are the primary carriers providing frequent non-stop flights between San Francisco and JFK.
What is the time difference between the two cities?
New York is in the Eastern Time Zone, which is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco’s Pacific Time Zone. If it is noon in SFO, it is 3:00 PM at JFK.
Is there a train from JFK to Manhattan?
Yes, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for a quick 20-minute ride to Penn Station or Grand Central.
Does SFO have lounges available for transcontinental passengers?
Yes, SFO hosts several lounges including the United Polaris Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and Alaska Lounge, accessible depending on your ticket class or membership status.
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Our Methodology
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How Often Do Prices Drop?
Data study: drop frequency, average savings, and how long drops last.
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