NYC - SFO

$159 Find Cheap Flights from New York to San Francisco - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$359
Typical prices: $338-$609
Frontier
Mon 12/3Sat 12/8
LGA - SFO • 2 stops
Cheapest non-stop
$359
Typical prices: $343-$617
JetBlue
Mon 12/3Sun 12/9
JFK - SFO • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
JetBlue adds free Wi-Fi; Delta offers free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members.
United includes free messaging; Alaska flyers may want to bring food.
Expert advice
+1
Expert advice
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, Delta and others. Average duration is 6h 36m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 16% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 82% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 24 weeks in advance save around 38% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 32% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $225 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 7h 40m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to San Francisco!

Cheap Flights from New York to San Francisco (NYC-SFO)

 

Cheap flights from New York to San Francisco with top airlines, updated regularly. Compare round-trip, one-way, direct and last-minute deals.

Thu, Dec 3 - Wed, Dec 9
JetBlue Logo
6:35 pm - 10:21 pmJFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 46mnonstop
JetBlue Logo
1:20 pm - 10:00 pmSFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 40mnonstop
$359JetBlue
Thu, Dec 3 - Tue, Dec 8
Frontier Logo
5:30 pm - 9:44 amLGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
19h 14m2 stops Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
6:30 pm - 7:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
22h 15m2 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Dallas/Fort Worth
$359Frontier
Sat, Nov 7 - Sun, Nov 15
Frontier Logo
9:29 am - 8:50 pmLGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
14h 21m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Frontier Logo
10:20 pm - 4:01 pmSFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
14h 41m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$359Frontier
Fri, Jan 8 - Sat, Jan 16
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:30 am - 3:09 pmJFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 39mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:50 am - 5:33 pmSFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 43mnonstop
$362Alaska Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Wed, Dec 9
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:29 pm - 9:05 pmJFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 36mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
1:55 pm - 10:29 pmSFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 34mnonstop
$362Alaska Airlines
Wed, Nov 11 - Mon, Nov 16
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:29 am - 6:10 pmLGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
11h 41m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:25 pm - 1:34 pmSFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
11h 09m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$362Multiple Airlines
Wed, Nov 11 - Tue, Nov 17
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:29 am - 6:10 pmLGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
11h 41m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:25 pm - 1:34 pmSFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
11h 09m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$362Multiple Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Wed, Dec 9
JetBlue Logo
6:35 pm - 10:21 pmJFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 46mnonstop
JetBlue Logo
1:20 pm - 10:00 pmSFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 40mnonstop
$363JetBlue
Fri, Jan 15 - Fri, Jan 22
Southwest Logo
1:10 pm - 8:00 pmLGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
9h 50m1 stop Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
6:45 am - 8:15 pmSFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
10h 30m2 stops Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Chicago Midway
$365Southwest
Wed, Jan 13 - Sat, Jan 16
Southwest Logo
4:30 pm - 10:00 pmLGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
8h 30m1 stop Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
9:55 am - 10:20 pmSFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
9h 25m2 stops Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Denver Intl
$365Southwest

Price, demand and travel trends for New York to San Francisco flights

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

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

Round-trip flights from New York to San Francisco typically range from $338 to $609. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $359, on Frontier.

What is the cheapest New York to San Francisco flight route?

New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to San Francisco (SFO) is the cheapest New York to San Francisco route, averaging $358 round-trip. Other New York to San Francisco routes average $459, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Thursday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from New York to San Francisco. It’s 5% cheaper than the average day, while Monday is the most expensive, with prices 19% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from New York to San Francisco?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from New York to San Francisco at $312 round-trip.
•June ($557) and August ($540) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 78% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from New York to San Francisco the cheapest?

Flights from New York to San Francisco are cheapest 24 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 for your flight from New York to San Francisco

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

Harriet Baskas

Expert on JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and JFK

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.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on Delta, United Airlines and EWR

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.

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 New York to San Francisco flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$159
Beat the crowds with an average 23% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 14% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from New Windsor to San Francisco

When to book flights from New York to San Francisco

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

Flights from New York to San Francisco: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from New York to San Francisco 
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-Jun 2026
Expect to leave for JFK 3 hrs prior to flight if traveling by car from Upper West Side. You will want to arrive 1.5 H prior to departure
MitchellFlew with United Airlines-Apr 2026
security access line for Premier access was very reasonable, process was less than 10-15 minutes. Leave time for dropping off a rental car - is a bit of a walk and then AirTrain transfer due to the current construction - so allow time for less stress. take advantage of the tables in the boarding area for charging devices or doing work.
BeverlyFlew with JetBlue-Dec 2025
Wear support socks which helps when you sit for a long time.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-Dec 2025
Bring your own food and in flight activity since they don’t supply any.
LuisFlew with Delta-Mar 2025
It’s a long flight, come prepared to either watch movies, read or sleep.
JulieFlew with Alaska Airlines-Oct 2024
Leave early. JFK can be messy. I couldn’t find healthy food choices so eat before you arrive.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-Jun 2024
SFO is one of the most convenient and pleasant airports. When flying Alaska Air make sure to bring your food and a larger water bottle that usual (you get only two drink services (one small cup each) for a 6 hour flight.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-May 2024
The airport food was limited and expensive. Best to bring a sandwich from outside…

Your New York to San Francisco flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 6:00 am and lands at 12:36 pm
    • Latest: departs at 9:45 pm and lands at 4:21 am.

    The flight takes about 6h 36m.

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

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

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

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How long is a flight from New York to San Francisco?

    A nonstop flight from New York to San Francisco takes 6h 36m, covering 2,566 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from New York 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 much should I expect to pay for a New York to San Francisco flight?

    Round-trip flights from New York to San Francisco range from $338 to $609, with an average of $461 over the past 12 months. Anything below $338 counts as a good deal.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 31% above the $461 route average. Book 24 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $225 round-trip via Orlando (MCO), compared to $470 for nonstop.

  • How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from New York to San Francisco?

    American Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while JetBlue has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on New York to San Francisco flights are:

    • American Airlines: 82% on time
    • JetBlue: 80% on time
    • Alaska Airlines: 79% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are punctual 79% of the time on average.

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

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $35–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on New York to San Francisco flights, with 51% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 26%, afternoon flights for 20%, and night flights for 3%.

  • Have flight prices from New York to San Francisco changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $361 to $2,203. That means the highest observed fare was about 6x higher than the lowest one.

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

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

    • JetBlue
    • Alaska Airlines
    • Delta
    • American Airlines

    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.

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

    One-way fares from New York to San Francisco are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $190, which is 36% below the typical average for this route.

  • 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:

    • Europcar
    • Thrifty
    • Dollar
    • Hertz
    • Fox

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

    Flights from New York to San Francisco may depart from several airports in New York area, including Newark (EWR), New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) and New York LaGuardia (LGA). Flights usually arrive at San Francisco (SFO).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from New York to San Francisco?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route, while evening departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from New York 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 New York to San Francisco route, 21% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2h 56m.

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

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

    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 28% of one-stop connections
    • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 18% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) - 11% of one-stop connections
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) - 8% of one-stop connections

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

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 21% on flights from New York to San Francisco. Thursday is the cheapest departure day at $441 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $553, a difference of $112.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from New York to San Francisco?

    5 airlines operate flights between New York and San Francisco. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • United Airlines
    • Delta
    • JetBlue
    • American Airlines
    • Alaska Airlines

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

    Flying via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 7h 40m, compared with 8h 06m via Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD) and 8h 13m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD).

  • What is the time difference between New York and San Francisco?

    San Francisco is 3 hours behind New York (Pacific Time vs Eastern Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • 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.

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

    Among airlines operating New York to San Francisco flights:

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

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

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

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

    • JetBlue: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Alaska Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

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

  • What is the fastest way to get from Manhattan to JFK?

    Blade offers helicopter service from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. The Blade helicopter trip to JFK takes about 5 minutes.

  • Are there car rentals at SFO?

    Yes. Rental cars are available at the Rental Car Center on McDonnell Road, which is reached via the free AirTrain Blue Line. The train runs daily, including weekends, through the airport's main terminals and parking garages before stopping at the facility. Early bookings may help avoid last-minute hassle.

  • What are the transportation options from SFO to the Golden Gate Bridge?

    SFO and the Golden Gate Bridge are 23 miles apart. Several transportation options connect the two. A taxi is one option for travelers seeking a private ride and taxis serve destinations throughout the Bay Area.

  • Is public transportation available from SFO to the city?

    BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains depart from the International Terminal at San Francisco International Airport and passengers at other terminals can take the free AirTrain directly to the BART station. The trip to downtown San Francisco takes about 30 minutes.

  • Can a Lyft be requested from SFO?

    Yes, Lyft rides can be requested in the app using the designated pick-up zone for the terminal.

  • What is one way to get to EWR for a flight from New York to San Francisco?

    AirTrain offers a convenient way to travel to and from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

  • Are there any services for passengers with limited mobility at SFO upon their arrival?

    Yes, passengers with disabilities or limited mobility can receive assistance on arrival at SFO. Passengers who need wheelchair assistance should notify their airline when arranging the flight. Dedicated staff also assist during check-in and boarding.

  • Is there parking at JFK?

    Yes, JFK offers daily parking at various levels, including the Long-Term Parking Lot, Terminal 4 Blue Lot, Terminal 5 Yellow Lot, Terminal 8 Red Lot and Federal Circle Station Lot. Various payment methods are available in each lot and early online booking may include special rates.

Your guide to booking New York to San Francisco flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Thursday departure and avoid flying on Monday. On this route, Thursday flights average $441, about $112 less than Monday fares (20% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 24 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 New York to San Francisco trip for January. Fares historically average $312 round-trip in that month - typically $245 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with American Airlines. Over the past three months, 82% of American Airlines flights from New York to San Francisco arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 79%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 56m, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference if you're on a tight schedule.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Orlando Airport (MCO) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $225 round-trip on this route - about $245 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
  • If you're flying from New York City to San Francisco, compare the city's airports and choose the one that works best for your plans. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one option for domestic flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
  • If you're flying through LaGuardia Airport (LGA), check which terminal you need before heading out. LGA has three passenger terminals: A, B and C. Terminals A and B are far apart, so use the terminal shuttle bus to get between them.
  • If you're flying from New York to San Francisco with a pet, follow the signs to the pet relief areas inside the terminals at both JFK and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
  • Flying out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)? Several airline lounges are available, so check with your airline about eligibility and access requirements. Priority Pass members can use Minute Suites in Terminal C or Be Relax Spa at Gate 7 in Terminal A.

Prefer to fly direct from New York to San Francisco?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from New York to San Francisco Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

New York to San Francisco

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to New York

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from New York to San Francisco

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