Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London: what you need to know
Approximately 11 hours 10 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to London.
San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco. Based in the UTC+0 timezone, London is eight hours ahead of San Francisco.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the most traveled route. When booking your flight, you can select from 42 services a week between SFO and LHR.
To avoid missing your SFO to London flight, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during high season in general.
Direct San Francisco International Airport to London tickets are available for booking. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is where you'll arrive.
You can choose from a variety of carriers that offer direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to London, such as:
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and maybe even explore another city. When searching for plane tickets from SFO to London, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Located around 18 kilometres from central San Francisco, SFO can be reached in about 25 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 35 minutes.
Looking for a hotel near SFO? If you're catching an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to London, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
When it comes to the on-time performance of San Francisco International Airport, 78% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London
Rs75,810 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to London flight. A return ticket right now is Rs181,702. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares may change.
To secure cheap flights from SFO to London, book your trip two months ahead of your departure.
July is the best month for scoring an incredible deal on San Francisco International Airport to London tickets. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
You don't need to keep checking in to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an updated deal for cheap flights from SFO to London.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from San Francisco International Airport to London.
Airports in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to the centre of London takes about 45 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 24 kilometres away.
It typically takes 25 minutes if you're using public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from San Francisco International Airport to London, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near LHR:
Secure the lowest price by booking your ride from London Heathrow Airport around one week before your flight from SFO to London.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is about 48 kilometres from the centre of London. Following your flight from San Francisco International Airport to London, it'll take you around 1 hour 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 1 hour 20 minutes on public transport.
After stepping off your SFO to London flight, rest your head at a hotel near LGW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from LGW three weeks in advance often means lower prices and a greater selection of vehicles.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Make tracks for the city centre after your flight from San Francisco International Airport to London has arrived. Central London is about 56 kilometres from London Stansted Airport (STN) and takes roughly 1 hour 5 minutes to get to by car.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of about 45 minutes.
Stay at a hotel near STN and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Whether you're coming in on a late SFO to London flight or just want a hassle-free arrival, these accommodation options offer a quick route to a good night's sleep:
If you're searching for a specific kind of vehicle, book your ride from STN around four weeks ahead of your flight from San Francisco International Airport to London. This gives you a higher chance of getting your preferred car, as well as a better price.
Best time to go to London
January is the quietest month for flights from San Francisco International Airport to London, while July is the most popular. Work out the ideal time to visit London based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Before locking in your San Francisco International Airport to London plane ticket, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in London, with temperatures ranging from 11ºC to 26ºC.
Search for cheap tickets from SFO to London in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC and 9ºC on average.
More about London
After booking your flight from San Francisco International Airport to London, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring London:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Westminster Abbey, The British Museum and Big Ben are popular attractions which should feature on every London itinerary.
Explore more of the United Kingdom
You've seen London, now it's time to explore other corners of the United Kingdom. Travel around 257 kilometres northwest to Manchester to check off its leading attractions. From Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour to The Homes of Football and Museum of Science and Industry, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're eager to discover another major destination in the United Kingdom, head for Birmingham, roughly 161 kilometres northwest of London. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre and Bournville Experience are key highlights.


















