Long haul · City · Tech. Compare cheap flights to San Francisco from US airports — flight time 5h 35m from New York JFK.
Compare flights to San Francisco →San Francisco is a medium-haul destination from the US — around 5h 35m in the air from New York JFK (JFK), which makes it a realistic short break. Travelers come for the tech scene. We track fares from 28 US departure points including Los Angeles International, Las Vegas and PHX — each has its own comparison page below.
Most travelers aim for Sep–Nov. Recent round-trip fares start around $23 from Los Angeles International. On the ground, US dollar (USD) is the local currency and English the dominant language — English coverage is solid in tourist quarters and at the airport. Visa: Domestic travel — no visa or ESTA required for US citizens. 6-10 weeks ahead is when medium-haul fares typically stabilize; last-minute bookings can run two to three times the advance fare.
By Louisa Lowe, Lead Writer · Updated for 2026.
| Departure | Round-trip from | Typical round-trip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles International (LAX) | $23 | $59 | Compare fares → |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | $30 | $72 | Compare fares → |
| PHX (PHX) | $65 | $120 | Compare fares → |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) | $76 | $199 | Compare fares → |
| Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) | $78 | $97 | Compare fares → |
| Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) | $78 | $112 | Compare fares → |
| Chicago O'Hare (ORD) | $85 | $100 | Compare fares → |
| AUS (AUS) | $90 | $139 | Compare fares → |
| Boston Logan (BOS) | $100 | $141 | Compare fares → |
| Miami International (MIA) | $105 | $112 | Compare fares → |
| MSP (MSP) | $112 | $112 | Compare fares → |
| SAN (SAN) | $116 | $135 | Compare fares → |
| Newark (EWR) | $117 | $162 | Compare fares → |
| New York JFK (JFK) | $121 | $169 | Compare fares → |
| Denver (DEN) | $124 | $124 | Compare fares → |
| DCA (DCA) | $127 | $184 | Compare fares → |
| PHL (PHL) | $127 | $198 | Compare fares → |
| SLC (SLC) | $131 | $131 | Compare fares → |
| Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) | $132 | $132 | Compare fares → |
| DTW (DTW) | $132 | $132 | Compare fares → |
| BWI (BWI) | $134 | $134 | Compare fares → |
| Houston Intercontinental (IAH) | $135 | $135 | Compare fares → |
| LGA (LGA) | $136 | $247 | Compare fares → |
| CLT (CLT) | $138 | $156 | Compare fares → |
| TPA (TPA) | $139 | $164 | Compare fares → |
| FLL (FLL) | $147 | $147 | Compare fares → |
| Orlando (MCO) | $169 | $169 | Compare fares → |
| ANC (ANC) | $216 | $277 | Compare fares → |
Round-trip fares are the lowest and average seen in recent Travelpayouts searches, updated 2026-08-24. Exact prices vary by date — each route page carries the live comparison.
Direct answer. Round-trip flights to San Francisco start at around $23, the lowest recent fare on the Los Angeles International–San Francisco route. Across the 28 US departures with current fare data, average round-trips run $59–$277.
These figures come from recent Travelpayouts search data, not estimates. The spread between departure airports matters: the same week can price very differently from Los Angeles International, Las Vegas and PHX, so it pays to compare more than one departure.
The maths to run. On the Los Angeles International route, anything at $33 or under sits in the cheapest quarter of recent fares. Against the $59 route average that keeps $26 per round-trip in your pocket — $104 across four travelers.
Key fact: A round-trip to San Francisco at $33 or less counts as a genuinely good deal — that's the cheapest 25% of recent fares on the Los Angeles International route.
Direct answer. CompareFlights tracks 28 US departures for San Francisco: Los Angeles International, Las Vegas, PHX, Washington Dulles, Dallas/Fort Worth, Seattle-Tacoma, Chicago O'Hare, AUS, Boston Logan, Miami International, MSP, SAN, Newark, New York JFK, Denver, DCA, PHL, SLC, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, DTW, BWI, Houston Intercontinental, LGA, CLT, TPA, FLL, Orlando and ANC. Each has its own fare page with the live comparison.
Searches hand off to our flight-search partner and you book directly with the airline or agent — we don't resell tickets or add fees. Verified direct operators on these routes include JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines.
Key fact: Los Angeles International is currently the cheapest tracked US departure for San Francisco, with round-trips from $23.
Direct answer. Book 6-10 weeks ahead, and aim for Sep–Nov if you want San Francisco at its best — that window balances weather and crowds rather than chasing a mythical cheapest day.
Before you commit, the admin: Domestic travel — no visa or ESTA required for US citizens. Currency is US dollar (USD); English is the main language, with English widely understood in tourist areas.
Key fact: Best months to visit San Francisco: Sep–Nov. Flight time from New York JFK: about 5h 35m.
Always confirm visa and entry requirements at travel.state.gov before booking.
From New York JFK (JFK), nonstop flights to San Francisco take approximately 5h 35m. Total journey time depends on your departure airport, any connections, and seasonal headwinds.
CompareFlights tracks 28 US departures for San Francisco: Los Angeles International, Las Vegas, PHX, Washington Dulles, Dallas/Fort Worth, Seattle-Tacoma, Chicago O'Hare, AUS, Boston Logan, Miami International, MSP, SAN, Newark, New York JFK, Denver, DCA, PHL, SLC, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, DTW, BWI, Houston Intercontinental, LGA, CLT, TPA, FLL, Orlando and ANC. Each departure has its own fare-comparison page with current prices.
Recent round-trip fares to San Francisco start around $23 from Los Angeles International, based on Travelpayouts search data. Anything at $33 or under sits in the cheapest quarter of recent fares.
Domestic travel — no visa or ESTA required for US citizens. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest entry requirements before booking.
The best months to visit San Francisco are Sep–Nov, when conditions are most comfortable for sightseeing and weather is settled.
US dollar (USD) — most major hotels and restaurants in San Francisco accept card payments, but cash is useful for smaller establishments and tipping.
English. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and major restaurants.
