MSP - SFO

$148 Find Cheap Flights from Minneapolis to San Francisco - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$263
Typical prices: $278-$436
Frontier
Wed 10/31Wed 11/7
MSP - SFO • 2 stops
Cheapest non-stop
$266
Typical prices: $279-$440
Sun Country Air
Mon 12/24Fri 12/28
MSP - SFO • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Delta, United Airlines and Sun Country Air. Average duration is 4h 15m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 81% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 14 weeks in advance save around 38% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 12% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $284 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 59m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to San Francisco!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Minneapolis to San Francisco (MSP-SFO)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Minneapolis to San Francisco

Sat, Oct 31 - Sat, Nov 7
Frontier Logo
2:33 pm - 2:36 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SFO San Francisco
26h 03m2 stops Denver Intl Ontario
Frontier Logo
6:02 am - 1:38 pmSFO  San Francisco-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
5h 36m1 stop Denver Intl
$263Frontier
Thu, Oct 8 - Wed, Oct 14
Frontier Logo
7:00 am - 11:05 amMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SFO San Francisco
6h 05m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
12:00 pm - 12:06 amSFO  San Francisco-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
10h 06m1 stop Denver Intl
$263Frontier
Thu, Oct 29 - Sun, Nov 1
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:45 pm - 4:51 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SFO San Francisco
4h 06mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:06 am - 12:04 amSFO  San Francisco-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
58h 58m3 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Los Angeles Denver Intl
$263Multiple Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 24
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:05 am - 8:11 amMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SFO San Francisco
4h 06mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 1:41 pmSFO  San Francisco-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
5h 41m1 stop Denver Intl
$264Multiple Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 24
Southwest Logo
10:35 am - 9:50 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SFO San Francisco
13h 15m1 stop Chicago Midway
Southwest Logo
7:20 am - 4:40 pmSFO  San Francisco-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
7h 20m1 stop Austin Bergstrom
$265Southwest
Wed, Jan 6 - Wed, Jan 13
Southwest Logo
2:55 pm - 10:40 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SFO San Francisco
9h 45m1 stop Chicago Midway
Southwest Logo
6:45 am - 5:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
9h 00m2 stops Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Denver Intl
$265Southwest
Fri, Oct 2 - Sat, Oct 3
Sun Country Air Logo
3:00 pm - 5:07 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SFO San Francisco
4h 07mnonstop
Sun Country Air Logo
6:15 pm - 11:49 pmSFO  San Francisco-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
3h 34mnonstop
$266Sun Country Air
Wed, Dec 23 - Mon, Dec 28
Sun Country Air Logo
8:00 am - 10:36 amMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SFO San Francisco
4h 36mnonstop
Sun Country Air Logo
6:25 pm - 11:59 pmSFO  San Francisco-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
3h 34mnonstop
$266Sun Country Air
Thu, Oct 15 - Sat, Oct 24
Delta Logo
9:51 pm - 11:58 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SFO San Francisco
4h 07mnonstop
Delta Logo
6:23 pm - 11:59 pmSFO  San Francisco-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
3h 36mnonstop
$379Delta
Sat, Mar 20 - Wed, Mar 24
Delta Logo
6:05 pm - 8:21 pmMSP  Minneapolis St Paul-SFO San Francisco
4h 16mnonstop
Delta Logo
6:15 am - 11:57 amSFO  San Francisco-MSP Minneapolis St Paul
3h 42mnonstop
$379Delta
Booking Insights

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

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

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

Round-trip flights from Minneapolis to San Francisco start at $263. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $278 to $436. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $263 on Frontier.

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

Friday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Minneapolis to San Francisco, it is 5% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 8% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

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

•September is the cheapest month to fly from Minneapolis to San Francisco at $300 round-trip.
•March ($405) and June ($373) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 35% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Minneapolis to San Francisco the cheapest?

Flights from Minneapolis to San Francisco are cheapest 14 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 38% 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 Minneapolis to San Francisco

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

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on Delta and United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler

Expert on Sun Country Air

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, podcaster, and producer. Born in Africa, bred in Europe and now living in America he has traveled to 140 countries (and all 50 U.S. states). Plus he has stayed at over 2500 hotels across the globe. His original shows Everywhere and Without Maps (available on Spotify) showcase his beliefs, travel is about humanity and sharing that beauty. And thus it reminds you that you shouldn’t believe everything you think.

Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on MSP

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 Minneapolis to San Francisco flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$148
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 6% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 10% increase in price.
Flight from Minneapolis to San Francisco

When to book flights from Minneapolis to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to San Francisco flight questions, answered

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

  • Which nearby cities can I get to from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)?

    Besides San Francisco, SFO also serves nearby cities including Palo Alto, San Jose and Mountain View. Rental cars provide connections to these and other nearby cities.

  • What are my transportation options once I arrive at San Francisco Airport?

    Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stops at SFO in the G boarding area of the International Terminal. Northbound service to Pittsburg/Bay Point goes to downtown San Francisco. Travelers can also take a taxi, use an app-based ride service or rent a car at the airport.

  • Which airline should I choose?

    Delta Air Lines operates more daily flights from MSP to SFO than Sun Country Airlines, offering more flexibility in travel times. United Airlines flights on this route are operated by SkyWest.

  • How can travelers landing at SFO get to a rental car center?

    Travelers landing at SFO who want to drive can rent a car at the airport's rental car center. The center is located within the airport on Level 1.

  • What special access services are available on flights from Minneapolis to San Francisco?

    At MSP, airlines provide wheelchairs for use throughout both terminals. Travelers who need wheelchair assistance can use designated curbside drop-off doors and a wheelchair can be requested when the flight reservation is made.

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

    Among airlines operating Minneapolis to San Francisco flights:

    • Delta: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

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

  • What airlines are available from Minneapolis to San Francisco?

    3 airlines operate flights between Minneapolis and San Francisco. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • Delta
    • United Airlines
    • Sun Country Air

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

    Flights from Minneapolis to San Francisco usually depart from Minneapolis St Paul (MSP) and arrive at San Francisco (SFO).

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

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

    • Delta: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • JetBlue: a cabin bag in Economy Class 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 Minneapolis to San Francisco?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from Minneapolis to San Francisco:

    • Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $284 round-trip via Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS), compared to $344 for nonstop.

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

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $27–$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 Minneapolis to San Francisco?

    The Boeing 737-800 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Sun Country Air and United Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 737-900 variants.

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

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

    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 81% of one-stop connections
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) - 7% of one-stop connections
    • Portland (PDX) - 4% of one-stop connections
    • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 2% of one-stop connections

    Denver Intl (DEN) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

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

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 13% on the Minneapolis to San Francisco route. Friday is the cheapest departure day at $325 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $370, a difference of $45. 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to San Francisco route, 23% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 25 minutes.

  • How are flight departures from Minneapolis to San Francisco spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Minneapolis to San Francisco flights, with 43% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 28%, afternoon flights for 15%, and night flights for 14%.

  • 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 Minneapolis to San Francisco?

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

    • Earliest: departs at 6:05 am and lands at 10:20 am
    • Latest: departs at 9:51 pm and lands at 2:06 am.

    The flight takes about 4h 15m.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 31% above the route average of $340. Book 14 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    A nonstop flight from Minneapolis to San Francisco takes 4h 15m, covering 1,585 miles.

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

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID, or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

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

    One-way fares from Minneapolis to San Francisco are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $182, which is 20% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does Sun Country Air’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on Minneapolis to San Francisco flights?

    Sun Country Air is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while United Airlines has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on Minneapolis to San Francisco flights are:

    • Sun Country Air: 81% on time
    • United Airlines: 78% on time
    • Delta: 76% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 77% of the time on average.

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

    Flying via Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 14m, compared with 6h 59m via Portland (PDX) and 7h 27m via Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA).

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

    San Francisco is 2 hours behind Minneapolis (Pacific Time vs Central 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 Minneapolis to San Francisco flight?

    Round-trip flights from Minneapolis to San Francisco range from $278 to $436, with an average of $340 over the past 12 months. Anything below $278 counts as a good deal.

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

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Minneapolis to San Francisco flights:

    • Delta
    • JetBlue

    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 Minneapolis 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 Friday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Friday flights average $325 - about $45 less than Sunday (12% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 14 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 38% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Minneapolis to San Francisco trip for September. Fares historically average $300 round-trip in that month - typically $105 less than the most expensive month, which is March (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, Sun Country Air is the strongest pick on this route. 81% of Sun Country Air flights from Minneapolis to San Francisco arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 77%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours 25 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Airport (LAS) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $284 round-trip on this route - about $60 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
  • When booking a flight from Minneapolis to the San Francisco area, compare SFO, SJC and OAK as arrival options. Choose SFO if you want more direct transit to downtown San Francisco, the Peninsula or the East Bay. Its BART station is in the International Terminal, while reaching BART from SJC requires taking VTA Route 60.
  • Go around San Francisco Airport (SFO) with the AirTrain, the free, automated shuttle which carries passengers between all four terminals (as well as to their garages) every few minutes.
  • When comparing MSP-SFO departures, start with Delta if you want more schedule options. If lounge access matters, keep in mind that booking United Airlines or Alaska Airlines alone does not include lounge access at SFO.
  • Before your flight, take some quiet time at SFO in the Christian Science Reading Room (Terminal 1) or the Berman Reflection Room (International Terminal). The Yoga Rooms in Terminals 2 and 3 are another option for relaxing, meditating or practicing yoga.

Prefer to fly direct from Minneapolis to San Francisco?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Minneapolis St Paul Airport to San Francisco Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Minneapolis St Paul to San Francisco

Monday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Tuesday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Wednesday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Thursday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Friday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Saturday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Sunday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to Minneapolis St Paul

Monday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Tuesday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Wednesday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Thursday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Friday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Saturday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

Sunday

Delta,Sun Country Air,United Airlines

Delta,Sun Country Air, +1 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Minneapolis to San Francisco

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