MAD - SFO

$465 Find Cheap Flights from Madrid to San Francisco - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$615
Typical prices: $605-$943
United Airlines
Sun 12/23Thu 1/4
MAD - SFO • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way
$463
Typical prices: $468-$830
KLM
Fri 12/28
MAD - SFO • 1 stop
Nonstop flights
There are currently no direct flights between Madrid and San Francisco. You'll need to take a connecting flight to reach the destination.
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 77% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 26 weeks in advance save around 44% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 26% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $544 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 15h 11m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to San Francisco!
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Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Madrid to San Francisco (MAD-SFO)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Madrid to San Francisco

Wed, Dec 23 - Mon, Jan 4
United Airlines Logo
6:05 am - 4:05 pmMAD  Madrid Barajas-SFO San Francisco
19h 00m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
United Airlines Logo
5:00 am - 7:45 amSFO  San Francisco-MAD Madrid Barajas
17h 45m2 stops Chicago O'Hare Intl Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
$615United Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Sat, Nov 21
United Airlines Logo
6:05 am - 12:35 pmMAD  Madrid Barajas-SFO San Francisco
15h 30m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
United Airlines Logo
10:45 pm - 7:45 amSFO  San Francisco-MAD Madrid Barajas
24h 00m2 stops Chicago O'Hare Intl Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
$615United Airlines
Wed, Oct 7 - Wed, Oct 14
Air Canada Logo
5:55 am - 3:21 pmMAD  Madrid Barajas-SFO San Francisco
18h 26m2 stops Frankfurt am Main Vancouver Intl
Air Canada Logo
6:40 am - 9:35 amSFO  San Francisco-MAD Madrid Barajas
17h 55m2 stops Vancouver Intl Toronto Pearson Intl
$615Air Canada
Tue, Nov 3 - Mon, Nov 16
Iberia Logo
10:00 am - 7:17 pmMAD  Madrid Barajas-SFO San Francisco
18h 17m1 stop Miami
Iberia Logo
7:50 am - 11:55 amSFO  San Francisco-MAD Madrid Barajas
19h 05m2 stops Dallas/Fort Worth London Heathrow
$616Iberia
Mon, Nov 2 - Wed, Nov 18
Iberia Logo
10:00 am - 7:17 pmMAD  Madrid Barajas-SFO San Francisco
18h 17m1 stop Miami
Iberia Logo
10:34 am - 1:40 pmSFO  San Francisco-MAD Madrid Barajas
18h 06m2 stops Chicago O'Hare Intl London Heathrow
$616Iberia
Wed, Oct 7 - Wed, Oct 14
Air Canada Logo
5:55 am - 3:21 pmMAD  Madrid Barajas-SFO San Francisco
18h 26m2 stops Frankfurt am Main Vancouver Intl
Air Canada Logo
8:30 am - 9:35 amSFO  San Francisco-MAD Madrid Barajas
16h 05m1 stop Toronto Pearson Intl
$618Air Canada
Fri, Nov 6 - Tue, Nov 17
Delta Logo
10:50 am - 10:38 pmMAD  Madrid Barajas-SFO San Francisco
20h 48m2 stops Amsterdam Schiphol Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Delta Logo
7:00 am - 11:30 amSFO  San Francisco-MAD Madrid Barajas
19h 30m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Paris Charles de Gaulle
$623Delta
Wed, Nov 4 - Sun, Nov 15
Delta Logo
6:05 am - 4:07 pmMAD  Madrid Barajas-SFO San Francisco
19h 02m2 stops Amsterdam Schiphol Salt Lake City
Delta Logo
10:38 am - 3:20 pmSFO  San Francisco-MAD Madrid Barajas
19h 42m2 stops Seattle/Tacoma Intl Paris Charles de Gaulle
$623Delta
Fri, Oct 9 - Fri, Oct 16
American Airlines Logo
3:20 pm - 10:59 pmMAD  Madrid Barajas-SFO San Francisco
16h 39m1 stop Philadelphia
American Airlines Logo
5:00 am - 5:30 amSFO  San Francisco-MAD Madrid Barajas
15h 30m1 stop Charlotte Douglas
$623American Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Thu, Oct 29
American Airlines Logo
3:20 pm - 10:59 pmMAD  Madrid Barajas-SFO San Francisco
16h 39m1 stop Philadelphia
American Airlines Logo
9:58 am - 8:55 amSFO  San Francisco-MAD Madrid Barajas
14h 57m1 stop Philadelphia
$629American Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Madrid to San Francisco flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from Madrid to San Francisco with more confidence.

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

Round-trip flights from Madrid to San Francisco start at $615. Prices are typical for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $605 to $943. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $615 on United Airlines.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Madrid to San Francisco?

Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Madrid to San Francisco, it is 9% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 18% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

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

  • February is the cheapest month to fly from Madrid to San Francisco at $560 round-trip.
  • June ($1,006) and July ($891) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 79% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Madrid to San Francisco the cheapest?

Flights from Madrid to San Francisco are cheapest 26 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 44% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Madrid to San Francisco

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Marisa Garcia

Marisa Garcia

Expert on Iberia

Marisa knows planes inside and out, spending 16 years working on aircraft in hangars at airports around the world. She is an aviation industry expert, specialized in airline interiors and regulations. Ten years ago, she pivoted to journalism. She shares her insights in leading aviation, travel, and business publications and on her site FlightChic.

Duncan Madden

Duncan Madden

Expert on British Airways

Duncan is a freelance travel writer, copywriter and book author in constant search of travel stories and the perpetual sensation of being on holiday. He’s never happier than when on a dusty trail in search of empty waves or ducking under the piste tape in search of snowbound solitude. British born, living in Germany, but happiest heading for the horizon. His first book, Found in Translation, explores the etymologies and stories of country names around the world and is out now.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on MAD

An avid traveler and aviation expert who has visited 173 countries, all 50 states and seven continents, Ramsey Qubein flies nearly 400,000 miles a year. As a North Carolina-based freelance journalist for publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, USA Today and Bloomberg among others, he explores the latest trends in aviation, hospitality, cruises and business.

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.

Key details for Madrid to San Francisco flights

Low season

March

Cheapest flight

$463
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 19% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 18% increase in price.
Flight from Madrid to San Francisco

When to book flights from Madrid to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Madrid 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

Your Madrid to San Francisco flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • Do the flights offer services for children?

    Both Iberia and United Airlines offer dedicated services for young travelers. They provide special amenities, including child-friendly meals, entertainment options, and assistance from attentive cabin crew members. These services are designed to create a comfortable and enjoyable journey for children onboard the flights.

  • Do any of these airlines offer environmentally friendly flights with low carbon emissions?

    Iberia and United Airlines are committed to reducing their environmental impact. They have implemented measures such as using fuel-efficient aircraft, participating in carbon offset programs, and implementing sustainable practices to provide more environmentally friendly flights.

  • Do flights from Madrid to San Francisco have layovers?

    There may be layovers depending on the airline and the particular trip chosen. United Airlines and Iberia provide Direct and connected flights between Madrid and San Francisco. Depending on the precise schedule, layovers in airports like London Heathrow (LHR) or Chicago O'Hare (ORD) may occur if you want to take a connecting flight. The length of the stopover will vary.

  • What are the baggage policies of Iberia and United Airlines?

    Iberia allows Economy Class passengers on flights from Madrid to San Francisco to check in one bag weighing up to 50 lbs. In contrast, Business Class passengers can check in two bags weighing up to 70 lbs each. United Airlines typically permits Economy Class passengers to check in one bag weighing up to 50 lbs. Business/First Class passengers can check in two bags weighing up to 70 lbs each. Specific weight and size restrictions may apply based on the ticket class and fare type, so reviewing the airlines' policies is essential.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Madrid to San Francisco flights?

    Among airlines operating Madrid to San Francisco flights:

    • Iberia: offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from Madrid to San Francisco?

    Only Iberia operates flights between Madrid and San Francisco.

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Madrid to San Francisco?

    Flights from Madrid to San Francisco usually depart from Madrid Barajas (MAD) and arrive at San Francisco (SFO).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Madrid to San Francisco flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Iberia: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • American Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Finnair: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Madrid to San Francisco?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Madrid to San Francisco:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Madrid to San Francisco?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $544 round-trip via Charlotte Douglas (CLT), compared to $813 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Madrid to San Francisco?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $75–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from Madrid to San Francisco?

    The Airbus A330-200 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Iberia and Finnair. Other aircraft seen on the route include Airbus A330 variants.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Madrid to San Francisco pass through?

    One-stop flights from Madrid to San Francisco most commonly connect through:

    • Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) - 39% of one-stop connections
    • Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) - 8% of one-stop connections
    • Frankfurt am Main (FRA) - 7% of one-stop connections
    • Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) - 6% of one-stop connections

    Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Madrid to San Francisco?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 24% on the Madrid to San Francisco route. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $688 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $894, a difference of $206. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Madrid to San Francisco?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Madrid to San Francisco route, 23% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 3 hours 5 minutes.

  • What popular places can I visit in San Francisco?

    Some of the most popular sights in San Francisco are Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square and Moscone Center. These are among the most viewed places in San Francisco on KAYAK.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Madrid to San Francisco?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Madrid to San Francisco:

    • Earliest: departs at 12:45 pm and lands at 1:20 am
    • Latest: departs at 12:45 pm and lands at 1:20 am.

    The flight takes about 12h 35m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Madrid to San Francisco flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 26% above the route average of $756. Book 26 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from Madrid to San Francisco?

    A nonstop flight from Madrid to San Francisco takes 12h 35m, covering 5,794 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Madrid to San Francisco?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How are flight prices from Madrid to San Francisco looking right now?

    One-way fares from Madrid to San Francisco are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $467, which is 30% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does Iberia’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on Madrid to San Francisco flights?

    Iberia is the only airline operating Madrid to San Francisco flights. 77% of its flights are on time.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from Madrid to San Francisco?

    Afternoon flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Madrid to San Francisco?

    Flying via Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 15h 11m, compared with 15h 20m via Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl (YUL) and 15h 26m via London Heathrow (LHR).

  • What is the time difference between Madrid and San Francisco?

    San Francisco is 9 hours behind Madrid (Pacific Time vs Central European Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available at San Francisco Airport (SFO)?

    San Francisco Airport (SFO) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $15 for economy cars. Top options include:
    • Thrifty
    • Europcar
    • Dollar
    • Hertz
    • Fox

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Madrid to San Francisco flight?

    Round-trip flights from Madrid to San Francisco range from $605 to $943, with an average of $756 over the past 12 months. Anything below $605 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Madrid to San Francisco flights?

    Four airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Madrid to San Francisco flights:

    • • Iberia
    • • Finnair
    • • British Airways
    • • Aer Lingus

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

Your guide to booking Madrid to San Francisco flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $688 - about $206 less than Sunday (23% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 26 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 44% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Madrid to San Francisco trip for February. Fares historically average $560 round-trip in that month - typically $446 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $544 round-trip on this route - about $269 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to San Francisco Airport.
    - Grand Hyatt At Sfo
  • Major airlines like Iberia and United Airlines provide a variety of ticket classes when reserving flights from Madrid (MAD) to San Francisco (SFO). Iberia offers Economy, Premium Economy, and Business and Business Plus classes, but United Airlines only offers Economy, Economy Plus, Business, and First Class options. This ensures that passengers have a comfortable and customized flight.
  • Outstanding onboard amenities are available on flights from Madrid to San Francisco with Iberia and United Airlines. Iberia offers complimentary food and drinks, excellent seating, and in-flight entertainment. In its premium classes, United Airlines provides a variety of entertainment selections, Wi-Fi connectivity, and upgraded services, including lie-flat chairs and improved food.
  • Several transportation options are available to reach the city after arriving in San Francisco. Taxi services such as Yellow Cab and Flywheel Taxi can be found outside the airport terminals, providing convenient and reliable transportation. Additionally, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train system offers a cost-effective way to reach downtown San Francisco and other areas in the Bay Area.
  • Iberia and United Airlines understand that some passengers may have unique dietary requirements. Iberia offers the convenience of ordering special meals such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options during booking or by contacting the airline directly. Similarly, United Airlines provides particular meal choices to cater to passengers' dietary needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience throughout their flights.
  • Iberia and United Airlines have specific policies if you intend to travel with your pets. Iberia allows small dogs and cats to be transported in the cabin, with certain restrictions and additional fees. On the other hand, United Airlines permits pets to travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo, depending on the size and weight of the animal. Each airline has its own guidelines and requirements that must be followed when traveling with pets.

More options for your flight from Madrid to San Francisco

Complete your trip to San Francisco with a hotel stay or car rental