IND - SFO

$130 Find Cheap Flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco departing on 5/21. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to San Francisco

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Indianapolis to San Francisco.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Indianapolis to San Francisco.
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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$269
Typical prices: $279-$459
Alaska Airlines
Thu 4/23Mon 4/27
IND - SFO • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$309
Typical prices: $320-$459
United Airlines
Wed 5/20Fri 5/29
IND - SFO • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
IND has efficient security with short wait times.
Use BART from SFO for a budget-friendly city transfer.
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $269 (round-trip)
Best reviews • 8.0 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
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Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines. Average duration is 5h 03m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $287 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 55m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 29% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 11% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
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Start a new search
KAYAK searches 100s of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to San Francisco!
Flight Deals
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco (IND-SFO)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Indianapolis to San Francisco

Thu, Apr 23 - Mon, Apr 27
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:57 pm - 11:44 pm
IND
-
SFO
7h 47m
1 stop
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:00 am - 5:50 am
SFO
-
IND
17h 50m
1 stop
$269Alaska Airlines
Sat, Apr 4 - Sat, Apr 11
Frontier Logo
8:27 pm - 12:23 am
IND
-
SFO
6h 56m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 7:32 pm
SFO
-
IND
10h 32m
1 stop
$270Frontier
Mon, May 4 - Fri, May 8
Frontier Logo
8:46 pm - 11:42 am
IND
-
SFO
17h 56m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
12:52 pm - 7:54 pm
SFO
-
IND
28h 02m
1 stop
$271Frontier
Sat, Apr 4 - Sun, Apr 12
Frontier Logo
8:27 pm - 12:23 am
IND
-
SFO
6h 56m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
9:00 pm - 7:35 pm
SFO
-
IND
19h 35m
1 stop
$272Frontier
Thu, Apr 23 - Wed, Apr 29
Frontier Logo
8:46 pm - 12:27 am
IND
-
SFO
6h 41m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
7:40 pm - 11:32 am
SFO
-
IND
12h 52m
2 stops
$273Frontier
Mon, Apr 27 - Sat, May 9
Frontier Logo
1:52 pm - 1:52 pm
IND
-
SFO
27h 00m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 7:54 pm
SFO
-
IND
10h 54m
1 stop
$274Frontier
Tue, Apr 28 - Sat, May 2
Frontier Logo
12:07 pm - 1:52 pm
IND
-
SFO
28h 45m
2 stops
Frontier Logo
10:38 pm - 11:17 am
SFO
-
IND
9h 39m
1 stop
$275Frontier
Fri, Apr 24 - Wed, Apr 29
Frontier Logo
8:46 pm - 12:27 am
IND
-
SFO
6h 41m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
10:38 pm - 11:32 am
SFO
-
IND
9h 54m
1 stop
$277Frontier
Wed, Apr 22 - Tue, Apr 28
Delta Logo
5:29 pm - 11:37 pm
IND
-
SFO
9h 08m
2 stops
Delta Logo
5:59 am - 10:55 pm
SFO
-
IND
13h 56m
2 stops
$278Delta
Thu, Apr 30 - Tue, May 12
Frontier Logo
8:46 pm - 12:27 am
IND
-
SFO
6h 41m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
10:15 pm - 11:23 am
SFO
-
IND
10h 08m
1 stop
$280Frontier
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Indianapolis to San Francisco flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a round-trip flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco departing in April.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

When flying from Indianapolis to San Francisco, you should consider leaving on a Friday and avoid Sundays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Indianapolis, you’ll find the best rates on Saturdays and the most expensive ones on Sundays.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco is September, where tickets cost $336 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and December, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $438 and $428 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 29% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 26 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on SFO

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Jennifer Simonson

Jennifer Simonson

Expert on IND

Jennifer Simonson is driven by her lifelong commitment to exploring the globe. Her insatiable curiosity had led her to immerse herself into diverse locations like Oklahoma City and Pismo. Her hotel recommendations are the result of the myriad hotels she's stayed at across her travels. Along her journey, she cherishes engaging conversations with locals, indulging in the finest ice cream, trying her hand at surfing, and embarking on nature-filled hikes.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$130
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 2% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 5% lower on average.
Flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco

When to book flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Indianapolis to San Francisco based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco

  • Which is the quickest way from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to the city center of San Francisco?

    The BART system which stands for Bay Area Rapid Transit is the best way to get from SFO to the city. It's quick, easy, and low-cost. BART trains are a great way to avoid traffic and connect to different parts of the Bay Area. With trains departing from the SFO International Terminal, you can be in the heart of San Francisco in approximately 30 minutes.

  • Where is the best place to smoke at the airports?

    Smoking is not allowed in any public space at either of the airports, including inside the airport. This also includes the use of e-cigarettes and perfumed vapes. However, there are designated areas outside the terminals where smoking is allowed. If you have a connecting flight, you must smoke outside the terminal and go through security before boarding your next flight.

  • Are there any car parking facilities at Indianapolis International Airport (IND)?

    The Indianapolis Airport offers both long-term and short-term parking options for travelers. The Terminal Garage on level 3 is the best option for short-term parking, with rates around $4 per hour. For long-term parking, there are several options available. The long-term parking options available at the airport include valet parking, a terminal garage, the Park & Walk, and the economy lot. There are also privately owned parking lots available.

  • Are there car rental centers at San Francisco Airport (SFO)?

    Yes. In order to reach the Rental Car Center from the airport terminals, you must take the AirTrain Blue Line. The Rental Car Center at San Francisco International Airport is convenient for picking up and dropping off rental cars. KAYAK is a booking agency that can help you find the best car rental options.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco was $130 for a one-way ticket and $269 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Indianapolis and San Francisco?

    A passport is not required to fly from Indianapolis to San Francisco.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

    JetBlue, Delta, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Indianapolis to San Francisco flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

    The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Indianapolis to San Francisco flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

    oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between Indianapolis and San Francisco, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

    There are nonstop flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco, Southwest or Delta?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco are Southwest and Delta. With an average price for the route of $407 and an overall rating of 8.0, Southwest is the most popular choice. Delta is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $297 and an overall rating of 7.9.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to San Francisco from Indianapolis is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to San Francisco with an airline and back to Indianapolis with another airline. Booking your flights between Indianapolis and SFO can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to San Francisco from Indianapolis up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $240 or less one-way and $309 or less round-trip.
  • Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is a major commercial hub for various airlines, including Frontier Airlines and United Airlines. Because of this, you will find that it is not uncommon for these airlines to operate many departing flights from this transportation center.
  • If you need to spend a night at the Indianapolis Airport, you'll be pleased to know that plenty of comfortable couches are located throughout the airport. The terminal lounge and baggage claim are good places to find a seat. Remember that the airport can get cold and noisy, so bring earplugs, noise-canceling headphones and warm clothes or travel blankets. Unfortunately, there is no on-site hotel, but some hotels are within a quick shuttle ride away.
  • For those traveling with families, after a long flight, you can relax and let your kids have fun at The SFO Kids’ Spot. This interactive children’s area features weather-related exhibits from the Exploratorium of San Francisco and a crawling apparatus. It is located on Terminal 3, Boarding Area F near Gate 87A, post-security.
  • The Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra are great options for those with a long layover at Indianapolis International Airport (IND). The Museum of Art has a variety of African, Asian, and European pieces on display, making it a unique option among nearby museums. The Symphony Orchestra is known for putting on excellent performances and strives to educate and entertain children of all ages about the world of symphony music.
  • The Berman Reflection Room is a great place to go if you want a moment of peace before heading into downtown San Francisco. It's located in the International Terminal, Main Hall, and it's open every day from 7 am to 11 pm.

Prefer to fly direct from Indianapolis to San Francisco?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Indianapolis to San Francisco.
Find which airlines fly direct from Indianapolis Airport to San Francisco Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Indianapolis to San Francisco

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to Indianapolis

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Indianapolis to San Francisco

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Indianapolis to San Francisco. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Indianapolis to San Francisco? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4317 reviews
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
7.5Entertainment
7.0Food
8.0Comfort
Airline reviews

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

8.0 ExcellentTobin, Mar 2026
SJC - BUR
Read more Southwest reviews

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

No food or entertainment, just a quick 40 minute flight. A little bumpy due to Santa Ana winds but pilot has no control over that. Good flight and landing!

Good but I prefer choose your own seat. With the new assigned seats they should board from the back I see no advantage to this new boarding. Just like every other airline

Mediocre. Boarding is now unpleasant. The employees, once friendly and nice, are now regularly speaking sternly to passengers, badgering them to do things right so they can take off on time and gate check bags because they don't have enough overhead bin space. The pretzel snack was crushed flat and broken into even smaller pieces, which happens frequently lately. Drink service was suspended before they reached my row.

The charges were ridiculous for an hour flight and the turbulence was very scary.

3 hour delay. Had to change plans and was still delayed.

The flight crew was extremely rude and especially not helpful when our flight was delayed.

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

Still a fan of open seating. Flight was on schedule and arrived on time. The 737 MAX is very comfortable.

Left a few minutes early. Got in 15 minutes early. Very attentive service on board. Very organized boarding.

There’s not much to say about a one hour flight. This is a connection from LA to RNO that I missed the previous night due to a mechanical check delay on my originating flight from JFK to LAX. The short flight itself was fine. Instructions from the pilot and crew were per usual. The coffee was barely lukewarm, which possibly was purposeful so we would down it quickly. Bags were already on carousel upon reaching baggage claim, which was excellent.

Delta continues to set the benchmark for traveler-friendly service with minimal disruption and clear communication within the mainland US (coast to coast). I am consistently pleased to be a Delta customer, and this experience once again met my expectations. There was a brief delay departing from MIA due to a technical issue that required the aircraft to return to the gate. However, the situation was handled professionally and transparently. Fortunately, my planned layover allowed ample buffer time, so the adjustment caused no stress. Overall, another smooth and reassuring experience.

Awful - both legs. The check in was awful, getting on the plane required walking down a spiral staircase (dangerous), then taking a bus about 5 miles out from the terminal. The seat was broken (I was in business), there was no internet during the flight (both legs). The aircraft was very old. I saw rust in some place, tape holding things up in the bathroom. This was an unacceptable experience for such a long haul flight.

Awesome! On time flight, early arrival, and a complimentary upgrade!

Was forced to check in my small carry on, even though I informed the crew it has very fragile items inside

They double booked seats, the gate staff changed my ticket as I was boarding she went over to the computer and changed it without telling me. She messed up an entire three row section for me and others. Other travelers were outraged but the gate staff were so rude, so condescending saying it wasn't their problem to solve. I would rate this a zero if I could. Will not fly Delta again I'll stick with United and American.

I usually get upgraded so my experience is usually amazing. I did not get upgraded this time - which was fine - but the wifi had issues, the monitors were going in & out, & (though not Delta's fault) one of the gentlemen next to me desperately needed a shower.

I really liked the legroom. I am 6’4”.a at For some reason our seats were not together and using the app to fix it didn’t work. Passengers were nice enough to move for us but you should absolutely ensure a parent sits with their child.

Staff were friendly and happy. Delta could make sure passengers that don't have the app know of changes. Without Kayak I would not have known about the change of gate or the delay. Kayak was faster to notify me.

Overall we had a good experience during our flight from San Francisco to Houston.

the whole trip was smooth, and as comfortable as flying is these days. flight crew was friendly and very courteous and helpful.

First class ticket gets you a choice of chips or nuts. . Just like economy Southwest. Also no screen in the seats. This is first class???!

Flight arrived 30 min early and bag was waiting at the baggage pickup. United Club HNL was one of the nicest in the system

Yet another flight in which beverage and snack service was skipped. Other that that, firmly mediocre. Landed early, to gate late due to congestion at the gates. Airline's fault or airports fault: unknown.

Teeny tiny bathrooms, crew was not realistic about when we'd arrive.

Flight was late - I was downgraded from first class to coach

United needs to step up their game. Delayed flight leaving Seattle, San Francisco. Older aircraft, not very comfortable.

7 hours delayed due to operational issues on United’s end. Basically laziness.

The internet service I paid for didn’t work at all and the flight crew was not very friendly.

Smooth flight. From the early boarding and all were on board before departure time and arrived early in ONT. Great crew. Thank you!!!!

The flight was significantly delayed for 6.5 hours because of snow. There was no communication once the plane returned to the gate regarding when the flight would resume. Other flights were departing while our flight was being unloaded for reasons unknown. Our flight also seemed out of the queue regarding further deicing, refueling, and waiting to Taxi to the runway.

They are always late and seats was also not having working charger

did not have enough meal for first class passengers so offer us snack

Amazing I love American. I’ll never fly anyone else if I can help it.

Everything about the flight was lovely. My only suggestion would be to offer a few more options of tv series from Apple TV or HBO.

After the door had been closed, the cockpit makes an announcement that catering is running late and it is not the airline's fault. It is their fault in the sense that we had to sit for 2 hours or more when we could have stayed in the terminal. Poor communications between catering and airline. This caused a young man to lose his temper and he went storming out hitting objects. He had complained to the gate agent that he had already waited at the gate 7 hours and when can the airplane leave? Airilnes do a poor job of explaining delays, maintenance issues, etc. whereas being truthful may gain more sympathy or understanding.

We were told the flight was delayed 5 times, then it was moved to the next day.

The experience with American Airlines was good, although the Philippines Airlines flight was much better (better seats, better food, better entertainment options, overall better). Again, the MIA to LAX flight was fine, but nothing in comparison to the comfort and accommodations of the Philippines Airlines flight from LAX to MNL.

Loved the crew . Absolutely no complaints. Except for luggage lost

Remind customers of the need to have passport or new ID for boarding.

Flight was canceled. Most upsetting was message from Kayak, stating that the flight was canceled and click with Kayak for details regarding rebook, refund details. THERE'S NO INFORMATION PROVIDED BY KAYAK EXCEPT THAT FLIGHT IS CANCELED. AND NOW THIS SURVEY TO FIND OUT HOW WAS THE FLIGHT !!!!!!!

The flight never took off and we spent 7 hours at the airport

Gate not determined until I got to the airport - hard to plan the trip to the airport.

Our flight was canceled. I will never use Kayak nor Frontier for travel again. The entire experience was a headache.

Frontier.. nickel and dime add-ons. Flight late, on time, late again, last minute gate change, arrival gate required a shuttle to the terminal. They sure keep you guessing.. if you like a little chaos and airport anxiety, this is the airline for you!

This is my second time flying with Frontier. My current experience was very favorable. The staff from the gate to the plane was friendly, warm and professional. The food options lacked in my opinion. This area needs some attention in my opinion.

There was no food and no entertainment, so I'm not sure why these are even in the survey, as my understanding is frontier does not ever offer food without a few, not even a snack, and there are no screens so unless the flight safety talk is our entertainment why ask how we liked it?. One of the flight attendants say in the back of the plane as people filed in to their seats, yelling orders about where to put baggage and telling people to hurry up. It was the least professional experience I've ever had on a flight.

Very well recently! Frontier is improving and less harrassing customer on luggages! Positive!

Good for a budget airline! It was easy to get on, staff was really nice. Can’t say anything about the food or entertainment because it wasn’t available, which is fine.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Indianapolis to San Francisco

Information on your arrival and departure airports