Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Mexico City: what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City and you'll be travelling for around 4 hours 55 minutes.
Mexico City is one hour ahead of San Francisco, where San Francisco International Airport is located. Mexico City runs on the UTC-6 timezone.
With 37 weekly flights between the two airports, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) is the most popular route. Aeromexico operates the earliest flight at 06:33. If you're eager to get more out of your day before leaving, the last flight from SFO to MEX is with Aeromexico at 23:55.
Leave enough time to catch your SFO to Mexico City flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at check-in and security are more likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing space. A good rule for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Begin your journey at SFO and fly nonstop to Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City tickets.
United Airlines is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and possibly even tick a new city off your list. When searching for flight tickets from SFO to Mexico City, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) (LAS)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
The journey from central San Francisco to SFO takes about 45 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a hotel near SFO? If you've booked an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City, these accommodation options set you up for a seamless send-off:
Of all flights departing from San Francisco International Airport, 77.36% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Mexico City
The best price we've seen for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City flight is Rs38,761. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs96,893. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To score cheap flights from SFO to Mexico City, reserve your trip four months before your planned departure.
August is the best month for picking up an awesome deal on San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City tickets. If you need to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Save time searching for cheap flights from SFO to Mexico City by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City.
Airports in Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
The distance from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to central Mexico City is roughly 8 kilometres. It takes around 25 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 55 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to MEX if you're coming in on a late flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City. Choose one of these options and make your first night all about rest:
Hit the road running by picking up a Benito Juarez International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from INFINITY RENT, MEX or America and explore beyond Mexico City's usual tourist stops.
Secure the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Benito Juarez International Airport about four weeks before your flight from SFO to Mexico City.
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU)
The centre of Mexico City is around 40 kilometres from Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU). After your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take about 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport.
Verticca Hotel is a comfortable accommodation option within a short drive of NLU. Unpack your bags here after your SFO to Mexico City flight and then hang the 'Do not disturb' sign to enjoy some uninterrupted rest.
Forget about public transport schedules or long cab lines. Grab a Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Compare rates and availability from Europcar, MEX and Keddy By Europcar.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Booking your ride from NLU one week in advance often means better deals and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Mexico City
Plan your trip to Mexico City during high season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
The warmest month in Mexico City is April, with temperatures ranging between 10ºC and 28ºC. Book your San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City flight ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
January sees average temperatures of between 6ºC and 23ºC. Search for a cheap ticket from SFO to Mexico City around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Mexico City
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Mexico City right here. Explore these hotels once you've booked your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Chapultepec Park, Zocalo and National Museum of Anthropology are must-visits when exploring Mexico City.
Explore more of Mexico
Guadalajara is just one of the many places in Mexico waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Mexico City. Around 467 kilometres away to the west, its top attractions include Teatro Degollado, Portales Tlaquepaque Park and Zoologico Guadalajara.
If you're looking to explore another major destination in Mexico, consider Puebla, roughly 105 kilometres south-east of Mexico City. Mirador de Los Fuertes, Cuexcomate and Street of Candies are key reasons to visit.
