San Francisco International to Sangster International
2980 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 6h 24m with 10 airlines operating direct service from San Francisco International (SFO) to Sangster International (MBJ). Cheapest fares are usually in January (around $249 return), with peak prices in August (around $747). Departures on a Tuesday tend to undercut weekend prices on this corridor.
Flying from San Francisco International
San Francisco International is United's main Pacific hub and Alaska Airlines' largest non-Seattle base. Four terminals form a single ring connected by the AirTrain shuttle, with BART running from the dedicated airport station directly to Powell Street downtown in around 30 minutes for $10. Heavy fog from May through August causes chronic morning delays — book mid-day departures during summer where possible. International long-haul to Asia and Europe is the deepest on the West Coast.
Arriving in Montego Bay
Sangster International in Montego Bay is Jamaica's main tourist airport, 5 km east of central Montego Bay and within 2 hours' drive of Negril and Ocho Rios. Knutsford Express bus and resort shuttles handle most arriving traffic. Fares from US East Coast cities peak December–April (US winter escapes); the cheapest months are September–November despite hurricane risk.
Who flies SFO to MBJ?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| United Airlines | UA | 6h 24m | Economy |
| Singapore Airlines | SQ | 6h 24m | Economy |
| Cathay Pacific | CX | 6h 24m | Economy |
| ANA | NH | 6h 24m | Economy |
| Japan Airlines | JL | 6h 24m | Economy |
| Air France | AF | 6h 24m | Economy |
| Lufthansa | LH | 6h 24m | Economy |
| British Airways | BA | 6h 24m | Economy |
| Qantas | QF | 6h 24m | Economy |
| Emirates | EK | 6h 24m | Economy |
10 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Best time to fly SFO→MBJ
Synthesised from 12-month price aggregates. Cheapest months in green, peak in red.
Estimated baseline. Prices update on a 30-day cadence as Travelpayouts data refreshes. Cheapest day-of-week typically Tuesday.
San Francisco to Montego Bay FAQs
Direct flights from San Francisco International (SFO) to Sangster International (MBJ) take approximately 6h 24m for the 2980-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.
January is typically the cheapest month on this route, with one-way fares from $249. August is the peak — expect prices 2–3× higher. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for best fares; last-minute prices on this corridor rise sharply inside two weeks of departure.
10 carriers operate direct service from San Francisco International (SFO) to Sangster International (MBJ): United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Japan Airlines and 5 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — United Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
Visa-free for US passport holders up to 90 days. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest entry requirements before booking.
Sangster International (MBJ) is the primary international airport for Montego Bay. 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.