Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Dubai: what you need to know
Book a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to Dubai and you'll be travelling for around 15 hours 55 minutes.
Dubai is 11 hours ahead of San Francisco, where San Francisco International Airport is located. Dubai follows the UTC+4 timezone.
The busiest route is from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Dubai Airport (DXB). You can choose from seven services every week between these two airports. Emirates offers a 15:40 departure between SFO and DXB.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your SFO to Dubai flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Heading away during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Direct San Francisco International Airport to Dubai tickets are available for booking. Dubai Airport (DXB) will be where your journey ends.
Check out the offers from Emirates. This airline operates direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to Dubai.
We make it a breeze to book flight tickets from SFO to Dubai with a stopover. To see all your options, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Well-traveled stopover hubs include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
SFO is about 18 kilometres from central San Francisco. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
Have an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Dubai? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near SFO:
Of all flights departing from San Francisco International Airport, 77.36% touch down on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Dubai
Rs110,527 is currently the best price for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to Dubai flight. Return flight tickets start at Rs216,055. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
Booking in advance is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from SFO to Dubai. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, check out the 'Whole month' tool. It'll find the lowest price across each month when searching for a San Francisco International Airport to Dubai ticket.
Save time looking for cheap flights from SFO to Dubai by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Dubai by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) is around 14 kilometres from central Dubai. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 15 minutes.
Getting there on public transport takes about 50 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from San Francisco International Airport to Dubai. Stay at one of these accommodation options near DXB instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Dubai Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from AMEX, Autostrad Rent A Car or Quicklease Car Hire and explore beyond Dubai's main sights.
Booking your vehicle from Dubai Airport around three weeks before your flight from SFO to Dubai can help you get the lowest rate.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Once your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Dubai has arrived, you can get to the city centre in around 45 minutes by car. Central Dubai is roughly 56 kilometres from Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 2 hours 5 minutes or so.
After stepping off your SFO to Dubai flight, unwind at a hotel near DWC. These are some great options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Quicklease Car Hire, Quick Drive and Golden Key Car Hire make collecting a Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport rental car simple. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Get the pick of the lot. Securing your ride from DWC three weeks ahead of time often means better deals and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Dubai
Before scheduling your flights from San Francisco International Airport to Dubai, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Dubai offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty to do, while the low season means you'll get cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Dubai is July, with temperatures ranging between 30ºC and 42ºC. Lock in your San Francisco International Airport to Dubai flight ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
Search for cheap tickets from SFO to Dubai in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 14ºC and 25ºC on average.
More about Dubai
Start your Dubai trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Dubai, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
The Dubai Mall Heart and Burj Khalifa are just the start of the big attractions to put on your Dubai itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Desert safari tourism.
Explore more of United Arab Emirates
Dubai is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of United Arab Emirates just waiting to be explored. About 121 kilometres south-west of Dubai, a visit to Abu Dhabi will keep you busy. Check out popular attractions like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, Dubai and Qasr Al Watan.
Khawr Fakkān is another must-experience destination in United Arab Emirates and is around 113 kilometres east of Dubai. No journey is complete without experiencing Souq Sharq, Mountain Top View Point and Wadi Wurayah National Park.