Travelling from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): What you need to know
Your adventure will begin at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the main airport in Seattle. Look for flights from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) that leave from this terminal.
The average duration of a direct Seattle to San Francisco International Airport flight is 2 hours 15 minutes.
San Francisco (where San Francisco International Airport is located) and Seattle share the UTC-7 timezone. Easily coordinate travel plans without worrying about time differences.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the most popular route. There are 138 direct weekly flights to pick from. If you have plans before you fly, take the last flight with Delta Air Lines at 9:50pm. Opt for the first SEA to SFO departure operated by United Airlines at 5am if you want to get going earlier.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for stress-free travel. Get to the airport on time to board your flight from Seattle to SFO.
In high season, allow for longer wait times and arrive earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and as much as four hours for international trips.
Airports in Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Fly without interruptions from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Nonstop flights from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) operate from here.
You'll have your pick of carriers that operate direct flights from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport departing from SEA. Book your journey with one of these:
Alaska Airlines sees the most traveller bookings for flights from SEA to SFO.
Among carriers on this route, United Airlines has the best record for on-time arrivals.
Travelling from central Seattle to SEA takes about 55 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 23 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport or aren't a fan of being rushed, these hotels offer the perfect solution:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport scores top marks for on-time performance. 81.27% of flights that depart SEA arrive at their destination without delay.
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
On public transport, you can travel from central Seattle to LKE in around 25 minutes. The airport is roughly 3 kilometres away, and making the trip by car will take approximately 10 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your Seattle to SFO flight? Unwind in a hotel near Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport before your trip officially begins. These stays are expecting you:
About San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Book a hotel near SFO if you have a late flight from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport. Select one of these options and end the night sooner:
Travel at your own speed with a San Francisco International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and find adventure across San Francisco and beyond.
For the best deal, book your vehicle around one week in advance of your Seattle to San Francisco International Airport flight.
Getting from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to central San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport to the centre of San Francisco is roughly 18 kilometres. If you're taking a cab or renting a car, plan ahead to make your trip as easy as possible. Journey times can vary depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.
Travelling by public transport typically takes 45 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
44 € is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport. A return flight starts from 90 €. These fares can change based on availability.
To find cheap flights from Seattle to SFO, book in advance. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when flights are first released.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest Seattle to San Francisco International Airport tickets across every month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your dates are flexible.
You don't need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal on plane tickets from Seattle to SFO.
Chase down a great fare on a flight from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport with the help of the filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
The best time to fly from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Think about the kind of experience you want when deciding your trip dates. February is the quietest month to visit San Francisco. August is when most people book flights from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which may be ideal if you'd rather travel when it's busy.
Lock in a Seattle to SFO plane ticket departing in September if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in San Francisco to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 22ºC (72ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport in January when temperatures are between 6ºC (43ºF) and 16ºC (61ºF).
More about San Francisco
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in San Francisco right here. Check out these hotels after locking in your flight from Seattle to San Francisco International Airport:
Your trip to San Francisco isn't complete without checking out the sights. Attractions you won't want to miss include Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies - Alamo Square and Alcatraz Island.
Explore more of the United States
Fresno is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen San Francisco. Around 257 kilometres away to the east, top sights here include Forestiere Underground Gardens, Shinzen Japanese Garden and Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
Around 129 kilometres north-east of San Francisco, Sacramento is another essential stop in the United States. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Old Sacramento Waterfront, Fright Planet - America's Haunted Theme Park and California State Railroad Museum.
