Cheap flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International to San Francisco International from $65
Updated 2026-08-26
651 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 1h 43m with 8 airlines operating direct service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) 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 Phoenix Sky Harbor International
Phoenix Sky Harbor International is a major American Airlines hub and Southwest focus city, only about 3 miles east of downtown Phoenix — one of the shortest airport-to-city hops in the country. American and Southwest carry most passengers, with British Airways and Condor flying nonstop to London and Frankfurt and seasonal American service to Hawaii. The free PHX Sky Train links every terminal to Valley Metro Rail at 44th Street, reaching downtown and Tempe for $2; a taxi is about $20. Fares are lowest in the hot June-August low season and highest during the spring-training and winter-escape months.
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 PHX to SFO?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| American Airlines | AA | 1h 43m | Economy |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | 1h 43m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 1h 43m | Economy |
| United Airlines | UA | 1h 43m | Economy |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | 1h 43m | Economy |
| Frontier Airlines | F9 | 1h 43m | Economy |
| Alaska Airlines | AS | 1h 43m | Economy |
| Hawaiian Airlines | HA | 1h 43m | Economy |
8 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Phoenix to San Francisco FAQs
Direct flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to San Francisco International (SFO) take approximately 1h 43m for the 651-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.
8 carriers operate direct service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to San Francisco International (SFO): American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines and 3 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — American 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.