Flying from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): what you need to know
Melbourne's main base, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), is where countless awesome holidays begin. Explore the departure options from here when searching for a flight from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Approximately 14 hours 20 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport.
San Francisco is 18 hours behind Melbourne. San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco, which operates on the UTC-7 timezone.
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the most popular route. There are 20 direct weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, hop on the last flight with United at 13:00. Choose the first MEL to SFO departure operated by United at 10:55 if you want to get going earlier.
Your flight from Melbourne to SFO won't wait if you're late, so show up at the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're flying internationally.
You'll want to head there even earlier during popular months like July. Aim for two hours before domestic departures and up to four hours for international flights. After checking in, you can use any extra time to relax or grab something to eat.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) will have you travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) depart from this terminal.
United is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport leaving from MEL.
We make it a cinch to find a flight from Melbourne to SFO with a stopover. To see all the options departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Top stopovers between MEL and SFO include:
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
From central Melbourne, MEL is around 24 kilometres away. Use navigation apps or check the official airport website to work out the best way to reach the terminal.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport, these stays will have you moments from check-in:
About San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these options near SFO:
Getting from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to central San Francisco
From San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco is approximately 21 kilometres away. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 47 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
The best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport is 364 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 677 €. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
You're more likely to find cheap tickets from Melbourne to SFO when you book 8 months before takeoff. We crunched the flight price data and found that's when fares for this journey tend to be at their lowest.
The cheapest month for tickets from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport is May. Use the 'Whole month' search feature to find the most affordable day to fly if you're flexible with your departure dates.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. You'll get notified right away if there's a deal you won't want to miss. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you from looking for a cheap ticket from Melbourne to SFO every day.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport. Enter your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
The best time to fly from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
August is the busiest month to hop on a flight from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the best time to go to San Francisco, consider your preferred travel pace and style.
Schedule your flight from Melbourne to SFO for September if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in San Francisco to range from 12ºC to 22ºC.
Visit in January if you want to explore when it's cooler. Temperatures average between 6ºC and 16ºC. However, this destination promises a good time whenever you book your cheap flights from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport.
More about San Francisco
Start your San Francisco trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Lombard Street are must-visits when exploring San Francisco.
Complete your San Francisco trip with a car rental
Grab the keys to one of our car rentals in San Francisco and explore on your own terms. Easily compare prices from trusted rental companies in one go after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport.
