San Francisco International to Mexico City International
1882 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 4h 11m with 7 airlines operating direct service from San Francisco International (SFO) to Mexico City International (MEX). Cheapest fares are usually in Jun (around $212 return), with peak prices in Jun (around $212). 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 Mexico City
Mexico City International (Benito Juárez) is on the eastern edge of the city, 7 km from the Zócalo. Metro Line 5 runs from Terminal 1 to Pantitlán in 12 minutes for 5 MXN — possibly the cheapest big-city airport transfer in the world. Mexico City fares from US bases hold steady through most of the year; March and December see modest peaks. AICM is increasingly congested — the new AIFA airport (NLU, 50 km north) handles overflow.
Who flies SFO to MEX?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| United Airlines | UA | 4h 11m | Economy |
| Alaska Airlines | AS | 4h 11m | Economy |
| American Airlines | AA | 4h 11m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 4h 11m | Economy |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | 4h 11m | Economy |
| JetBlue Airways | B6 | 4h 11m | Economy |
| Hawaiian Airlines | HA | 4h 11m | Economy |
7 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Best time to fly SFO→MEX
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 Mexico City FAQs
Direct flights from San Francisco International (SFO) to Mexico City International (MEX) take approximately 4h 11m for the 1882-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.
Jun is typically the cheapest month on this route, with one-way fares from $212. Jun 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.
7 carriers operate direct service from San Francisco International (SFO) to Mexico City International (MEX): United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and 2 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — United Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
No visa required for US passport holders for stays up to 180 days. FMM tourist card included with airfare and issued at arrival. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest entry requirements before booking.
Mexico City International (MEX) is the primary international airport for Mexico City. 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.