Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

You can find one-way and return flights from SAN to SFO with Expedia. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see our cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when SAN to SFO ticket fares go up or down.

March is typically the cheapest month to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.), with average return fares around AU$227. March often sees lower prices as it's before the peak summer travel season, when demand tends to increase. Other cheap months to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) include April and May.

There are 9 airlines offering direct flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.). Here are some of the top carriers:

• United operates 75 direct flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) every week.
• Southwest Airlines operates 46 direct flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) every week.
• American Airlines operates 25 direct flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) every week.
• Frontier Airlines operates 7 direct flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) every week.
• Condor operates 9 direct flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) every week.

To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN) to San Francisco, CA (SFO), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.

The best airline to fly with from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Southwest Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. Southwest Airlines offers the most daily flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.), which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.

The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.

You'll find approximately 18 nonstop flights per day from San Diego International (SAN) to San Francisco International (SFO). For even more choices, look at flights that include layovers, as there are around 102 connecting flights daily. Some common connection points include Harry Reid International (LAS), Sky Harbor International (PHX), and Seattle - Tacoma International (SEA).

The earliest flight from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO) typically departs around 12:55 AM local time. This service is operated by American Airlines and is seasonal, active only in June. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.

You'll find the most flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on a Friday, with around 89 flights available. This gives you plenty of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United. Flight options are notably more plentiful on Fridays compared to other days of the week, offering you greater flexibility.

The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines, United and Alaska Airlines, offer flights during this window. Many travellers prefer these times because it allows them to arrive at their destination early, giving them a full day for business or leisure activities.

Flying nonstop from SAN to SFO takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 719 kilometers. Flights with a layover typically take 4 hours 40 minutes longer than direct options. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.

You can fly business class or first class between SAN and SFO.

Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

* Alaska Airlines
* Frontier Airlines
* JetBlue Airways
* Delta
* American Airlines

First class cabins are available on:

* Alaska Airlines
* United
* Delta
* Hawaiian Airlines
* American Airlines

It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

If you're planning to travel to San Francisco from San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly directly into San Francisco Intl. (SFO). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), or Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC) before reaching San Francisco. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.

Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.

Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.

If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.