Flying from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): what you need to know
Kick off your journey at one of Los Angeles's main airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Explore your options for booking a flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) taking off from either of these.
The average duration of a direct flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport is 1 hour 25 minutes.
San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco. The city's timezone is UTC-7 — the same as Los Angeles.
Your flight from Los Angeles to SFO won't wait if you're late, so get to the airport with time to spare. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're flying internationally.
Travelling during a peak month like July? Popular periods (like spring break, summer and Thanksgiving) can easily add another hour at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) provides a hassle-free way to reach your destination. Nonstop flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) operate out of this terminal.
Direct flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport are operated by a good selection of airlines at LAX. Book your seat with any of these:
LAX is around 32 kilometres from the centre of Los Angeles. To work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This essential traveller tool will show you the quickest route and available public transport options.
Catching an early flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these hotels near Los Angeles International Airport:
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) operates nonstop flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
There are plenty of airlines that operate direct flights from Los Angeles to SFO. Compare your options below to see which carrier works best with your trip plans departing from VNY:
VNY is around 32 kilometres from central Los Angeles. It takes 34 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes.
Get your holiday started early with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Los Angeles to SFO, kick back in one of these hotels close to Van Nuys Airport:
About San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Consider booking a hotel near SFO if you're taking a late flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport. Pick one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Getting from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to central San Francisco
From San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco is approximately 21 kilometres away. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes around 47 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
For a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport, R 725 is the cheapest price. You can also book a return trip from just R 1,447. These are the lowest fares right now and may vary depending on availability.
8 months before your departure is the best time to lock in cheap tickets from Los Angeles to SFO.
The cheapest month for tickets from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to find the most affordable day to fly if you're flexible with your departure dates.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Los Angeles to SFO. There's no need to check back in every day to see whether prices have dropped. We'll let you know the moment the price changes.
Personalise your trip with filters. Adjust the total duration, number of stops, and departure and arrival times to find the right flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport. You can also sort the results to see the 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' options first.
The best time to fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
February is the quietest time to fly to San Francisco. Alternatively, follow the crowds and take your trip in August. This is the most popular month for flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport, but the best time to go is your call.
Before you book a flight from Los Angeles to SFO, think about the type of weather you enjoy. September is the warmest month in San Francisco, with the temperature ranging from 12ºC to 22ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 6ºC and 16ºC. Search for cheap flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport sometime around then if you like cooler conditions.
More about San Francisco
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in San Francisco right here. Check out these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport:
One of the best ways to experience San Francisco is to explore its leading attractions. Highlights include Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Lombard Street.
Complete your San Francisco trip with a car rental
Once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport, next up is choosing one of our car rentals in San Francisco. Check out the exclusive deals and instantly compare options on price, pick-up convenience, and more.
