Cheap flights from George Bush Intercontinental to San Francisco International from $169
Updated 2026-08-08
1633 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 3h 41m with 5 airlines operating direct service from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to San Francisco International (SFO). Fares on this corridor stay relatively stable across the year — booking 4–8 weeks ahead and choosing a midweek departure typically secures the best price.
Flying from George Bush Intercontinental
Houston George Bush Intercontinental is United Airlines' second-largest hub after Newark, with five terminals and a Skytrain people mover connecting them. METRO's bus 102 runs from the airport to downtown Houston in around 50 minutes; light rail does not extend to IAH. International long-haul through Houston is heaviest to Latin America (over 30 destinations) and Europe, with Lufthansa, KLM, Air France and British Airways all operating daily and growing Middle East service via Qatar, Emirates and Turkish.
Arriving in San Francisco
San Francisco International sits 13 miles south of the city, with BART running directly from the international terminal station to Powell Street in 30 minutes for $10. Morning summer fog (May–August) routinely causes ground delays; book afternoon departures or mid-day arrivals during that window. Fares from US East Coast peak around tech-conference weeks (Apple WWDC in June, Salesforce Dreamforce in September) and are cheapest in February.
Who flies IAH to SFO?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| United Airlines | UA | 3h 41m | Economy |
| American Airlines | AA | 3h 41m | Economy |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | 3h 41m | Economy |
| Frontier Airlines | F9 | 3h 41m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 3h 41m | Economy |
5 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Houston to San Francisco FAQs
Direct flights from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to San Francisco International (SFO) take approximately 3h 41m for the 1633-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
5 carriers operate direct service from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to San Francisco International (SFO): United Airlines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — United Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
No — United States is domestic travel for US citizens. A US passport is not required for the 50 states, DC or US territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands), though Real ID-compliant ID is required at TSA from May 2025.
San Francisco International (SFO) is the primary international airport for San Francisco. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.