Flying from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): What you need to know
Los Angeles's main airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Explore your options for leaving from this terminal when searching for flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
The average length of a direct Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport flight is 1 hour 30 minutes.
San Francisco (where San Francisco International Airport is located) and Los Angeles share the UTC-8 timezone. With no time difference, coordinating plans between the cities is hassle-free.
With 218 direct flights a week between the two airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the busiest route. Southwest Airlines operates the earliest flight at 5:20am. If you prefer to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last departure from LAX to SFO is with United Airlines at 11:05pm.
Give yourself plenty of time to get on your flight from Los Angeles to SFO. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're going away during a peak month like December, make your way to the airport even earlier. It's wise to arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures. Check-in and security lines are longer during high seasons like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Airports in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Go straight to your destination from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Direct flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can be booked from here.
Direct flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport are operated by a good number of airlines at LAX. Book your journey with one of these:
Most travellers choose to fly with United between LAX and SFO.
American Airlines is the most consistent performer for punctuality on this route.
LAX is around 29 kilometres from central Los Angeles. If you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near Los Angeles International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels offer the perfect solution:
Los Angeles International Airport has an excellent on-time record, making delays less likely. Departures from LAX land at their destination as scheduled 81% of the time.
The address for LAX is One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
You can reach VNY from central Los Angeles in approximately 35 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to travel the 29 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your Los Angeles to SFO flight? Relax in a hotel near Van Nuys Airport before your adventure officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
About San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Have a late flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport? Don't let it steal your sleep. Stay at one of these hotels near SFO and shut your eyes sooner:
Begin your adventure by picking up a San Francisco International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz to explore San Francisco and beyond.
Booking your vehicle around one week ahead of your Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport flight can help you secure the lowest rate.
Getting from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to central San Francisco
Central San Francisco is around 21 kilometres from San Francisco International Airport and takes about 25 minutes to reach by car. Look into how to get from the airport to the city, whether that's with a car hire, taxi or ride-share.
It takes roughly 35 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Rs4,992 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport. A return flight starts at Rs10,245. These prices can change depending on availability.
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap flight from Los Angeles to SFO. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport tickets across the entire month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Never miss a deal on plane tickets from Los Angeles to SFO by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Hunt for savings on a flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport with the help of the filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
The best time to fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
January is the quietest month for flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), while May is the most popular. Find the best time to visit San Francisco based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in San Francisco is September, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC and 22ºC. Lock in your Los Angeles to SFO plane ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap tickets from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 6ºC and 16ºC.
More about San Francisco
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco International Airport, find a hotel that's got location and comfort covered. Make one of these options your base for exploring San Francisco:
Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square are just a couple of the top-rated attractions to add to your San Francisco must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Alcatraz Island.
Explore more of the United States
Fresno is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered after you've experienced San Francisco. Around 257 kilometres away to the east, top sights here include Forestiere Underground Gardens, Shinzen Japanese Garden and Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
Sacramento is another standout destination in the United States and is around 129 kilometres northeast of San Francisco. No journey is complete without dropping by Old Sacramento Waterfront, California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park.










































