$55 Find Cheap Flights from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area - Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area departing on 8/12. 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 Bay Area

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area.
Travelers love KAYAK
41,299,237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

Save 21% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Bundle and saveSave money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
San Francisco
San Franciscononstop$104
San Jose
San Josenonstop$170
San Francisco
San Franciscononstop$104
San Jose
San Josenonstop$170

Book Cheap San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area 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 San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area

Wed, Jul 15 - Mon, Jul 20
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:03 pm - 10:58 pm
SAN
-
STS
1h 55mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:26 am - 8:15 am
STS
-
SAN
1h 49mnonstop
$98Alaska Airlines
Tue, Jul 7 - Wed, Jul 8
Frontier Logo
7:46 pm - 9:38 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 52mnonstop
Frontier Logo
10:23 pm - 12:04 am
SFO
-
SAN
1h 41mnonstop
$104Frontier
Thu, Sep 17 - Sun, Sep 20
Frontier Logo
4:36 pm - 6:22 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 46mnonstop
Frontier Logo
5:52 pm - 7:37 pm
SFO
-
SAN
1h 45mnonstop
$105Frontier
Thu, Jul 9 - Mon, Jul 13
Frontier Logo
7:46 pm - 9:38 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 52mnonstop
Frontier Logo
8:05 pm - 11:42 pm
SFO
-
SAN
3h 37m
1 stop
$106Frontier
Sat, Aug 8 - Fri, Aug 14
Frontier Logo
7:45 pm - 9:32 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 47mnonstop
Frontier Logo
10:23 pm - 11:59 pm
SFO
-
SAN
1h 36mnonstop
$107Frontier
Fri, Oct 2 - Mon, Oct 5
Frontier Logo
4:36 pm - 6:22 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 46mnonstop
Frontier Logo
5:52 pm - 7:37 pm
SFO
-
SAN
1h 45mnonstop
$108Frontier
Tue, Jul 21 - Thu, Jul 23
Southwest Logo
9:00 pm - 10:50 pm
SAN
-
STS
1h 50mnonstop
Southwest Logo
6:00 am - 7:40 am
STS
-
SAN
1h 40mnonstop
$109Southwest
Tue, Jul 14 - Tue, Jul 21
Southwest Logo
8:30 am - 10:10 am
SAN
-
SFO
1h 40mnonstop
Southwest Logo
5:50 am - 7:25 am
SFO
-
SAN
1h 35mnonstop
$109Southwest
Sat, Aug 22 - Mon, Aug 24
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:00 pm - 7:52 pm
SAN
-
OAK
1h 52mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:48 am - 8:25 am
OAK
-
SAN
1h 37mnonstop
$133Alaska Airlines
Sat, Jul 18 - Tue, Aug 11
Delta Logo
6:15 am - 10:38 am
SAN
-
SJC
4h 23m
1 stop
Delta Logo
11:38 am - 3:10 pm
SJC
-
SAN
3h 32m
1 stop
$179Delta
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area flights

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

What is the cheapest San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest ticket to San Francisco Bay Area from San Diego found in the last 5 days was to San Francisco, at $99 round-trip. The most popular route is from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $99.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to San Francisco Bay Area?

The average price for all round-trip flights from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area depending on the time of departure, clicked by users on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

The cheapest time of day to fly to San Francisco Bay Area is generally in the evening, when round-trip flights cost $288 on average. Morning departures are around 60% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to San Francisco Bay Area is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $461.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $445, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area, 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 San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area is October, when tickets cost $137 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are November and January, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $282 and $279 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area?

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

For San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area, Friday is the cheapest day to fly on average and Tuesday is the most expensive. Flying from San Francisco Bay Area back to San Diego, the best deals are generally found on Saturday, with Sunday being the most expensive.

How far in advance should I book a flight from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area, 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 San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 39% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 9 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$55
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 17% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 9% increase in price.
Flight from San Diego to Santa Rosa

Flights from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area 
ClaudiaFlew with United Airlines
SAN
-
SFO
Jun 2026
Please be careful: 1,5 hrs for transfer in San Francisco might not be enough time in the future
LindseyFlew with SWISS
SAN
-
SFO
Dec 2025
Ready for weather delays of wind in SFO, which happens often. Keep that in consideration when planning an additional leg of a trip after it from SFO.
AmyFlew with Spirit Airlines
SAN
-
OAK
Dec 2024
Make sure you download your movies in advance and try not to bring more luggage than you need. And keep in mind that the gate at San Diego airport is terribly small.
VyomaFlew with Alaska Airlines
SAN
-
SFO
Jun 2024
Be sure to read the signs, i have heard it's confusing for connecting flights if you don't follow the directions.

FAQs - booking San Francisco Bay Area flights

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area?

    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 San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area 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 San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area?

    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 from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area with an airline and back with another airline.

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

    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 from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to San Francisco Bay Area

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from San Diego to the following destinations at these prices or less: San Francisco $154 one-way - $233 round-trip

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area. 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 San Diego to San Francisco Bay Area? 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.
7.9
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 12536 reviews
7.0Food
8.5Crew
7.0Entertainment
7.8Comfort
8.1Boarding
Airline reviews

My flight was several times rescheduled and then finally canceled.

2.0 MediocrePeter, Jun 2026
SAN - ORD
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

My flight was several times rescheduled and then finally canceled.

Short trip, was nice to have a drink on the short flight still.

Flight got delayed like 5 times, then they put and ada passenger in the back of the plane.

Flight delayed no communication. The gate was changed so many times.

Alaska is by far the best airline to fly with 😍

More efficient with checking lines and boarding/checking bags when needed.

They were really helpful with every question and my kids had never been on a plane and the staff made them feel comfortable

I was on flight #3022 departed from San Diego, California to Medford, Oregon. I had Denise & Damaris as my flight attendants. I didn’t have much interaction with Damaris, but I did with Denise who had, this calm, cool collective voice when she spoke about the emergency exit plans before takeoff. I travel often and I’ve never met a flight attendant that can put you at ease. I felt she respects and takes pride in her position and more airlines need to adopt the integrity and respect that she has for Alaska Airlines. Debbie

All airlines should board planes back to front, instead of catering to higher priced tickets. The boarding groups are inefficient and delay takeoff time

Luggage was severely damaged. Flight was late for several hours

The first time I flew in the extra legroom section. It was difficult to notice a difference. I had bad luck with my neighbors. The crew was okay. Southwest has reduced the live TV options.

No gluten free snacks. Seats felt worn or bare bones even though it was a new 737 MAX 8.

Plane was clean and comfortable. Flight attendants and gate staff were professional, friendly and efficient. Boarding and deplaning were orderly and efficient. All in all, the typical excellent Southwest experience.

Not having a five hour delay with little notice! The crew was very kind, though, and just as tired as we passengers were. The flight didn't depart until nearly 1 am...and no reason was ever given.

Comfortable. Easy. No problems. Just wish they had gf options for snacks.

This leg was much better, but we did have to have a 3 hour lay o er after coming from a very exhausting hiccup with our flight from BNA to Den

The Air hostess were very rude on my flight from Houston to Austin . Their regular communication itself felt a they are shouting at people.

Boarding was easy. The seats are small and fairly uncomfortable

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!

Flight delayed two hours , missed connection flight then connection cancelled- horrible experience with hotel

The checking was disaster, the crew wasn't behave well. It took us two hours to check in, after that thr line at the TSA was long, we barely make the flight. Bad airline

I like that if they asked you to checked in a bag at the gate they give you priority to board

I liked the Starlink WiFi but didn't like how they said they were the only airline to offer a free meal and it turns out to be just a standalone sandwich and then charge for snacks to go with it. Rather have the free snacks like Southwest, but have the option to purchase a decent meal for a 5+ hour flight.

I like Hawaiian, it was great that they had good internet connection across the Pacific Ocean, thanks to Star Link satellites. The seating was comfortable, ( I was in economy ). Maybe I missed it, but I only got offered a beverage once. It was a nonstop flight KOA to SMF. I would take it again next time I go that way.

Previously flown Hawaiian Airlines on similar routes, I found Alaska Airlines to be noticeably more comfortable. The seats on Alaska Airlines provided better support and cushioning, which made a significant difference on the long flight to the islands. When you’re spending 5-6 hours in the air, seat comfort really matters, and Alaska Airlines delivered where it counts. After comparing both carriers, I’ve decided to book with Alaska Airlines for all my future Hawaii trips. The superior seat comfort alone makes it worth choosing Alaska over Hawaiian Airlines. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and prioritizing comfort, I’d recommend giving Alaska Airlines a try. You won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended for Hawaii travel!

I received several emails about my 3:10 flight. When I showed up to the airport at 12:30 to check my bags I was told the flight was actually at 1 pm. They grudgingly rebooked me for a flight at 5:22 to Vegas to get a connecting to LAX. I did find the gate for my original 3:10 flight but they were booked. I proceeded to receive status updates and gate change information for the 3:10 flight, even though I was apparently never supposed to be on that flight

The crew was EXTREMELY helpful And sweet and the flight was smooth!

The Kayak confirmation number did not work for checking in the day before. I checked in at 8.30 using my ticket number. When I arrived at the airport, I was informed that the flight was overbooked, and since I had checked in late, I did not have a seat. The Next flight was not until ten PM. I called my wife, who had been taking care of our kids all weekend, and she was upset, calling me a liar and telling me to stay in SD. It turned my weekend getaway into a nightmare! I blame the Kayak website and will not book flights using your app in the future.

comfortable but the food is horrible. I have flown Hawaiian several times now and no matter what they say the food is its the same squashed bread with melted goop inside. Tastes fake and isnt what they represent, its quite nasty. What happend to real food? And there is NO entertainment!! so not sure why they are asking for a review on that.

This was an overnight flight, and in the morning they did know coffee service. How you can throw passengers in a San Francisco airport at 5:40 a.m. in the morning and not giving them Coffee is a crime.

Our flight was delayed several Times due to mechanical issues. Although I understand this may happen at times, it was very inconvenient and we had to book a hotel for an overnight stay. We were traveling with my 3-yo grandson and waiting at the airport from noon until 6:30pm with no reassurance that our next rescheduled flight would depart, we had to decide what’s best for him. A day later, I found out that I may be able to demand compensation if my flight is delayed more than 4 hours. I will hav to read the fine print next time.

Service was professional and quick. Premium economy seat was comfortable given the class

Like: departed and arrived on time. Unlike: Food options for purchase allways bad, 1 of 2 of the crew members not very friendly at all. Seats and leg room aweful. At this point I am thinking on switching to AA.

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly at all times! They went above and beyond to get us into an earlier flight in San Diego to make our connection in SFO possible, because our original flight did actually not make it! I did so much appreciate the UA team and how they made this possible. We also didn’t have seats together on the long flight to Singapore, but they found us seats together last moment with no additional cost! Nobody sat next to us, so that we were able to sleep! Thanks to UA for improving their service and Underpricer for booking this trip! Please be careful: 1,5 hrs for transfer in San Francisco might not be enough time in the future

Over 2.5 hour maintenance delay on first morning flight with no acknowledgement, compensation or even gesture of good will. Aircraft had overnighted at airport so issue should have been addressed prior to boarding. Over 3.5 hours before first slow and deliberate beverage service.

Packed flight, which makes it tough on crew and boarding staff (and the customers of course). But this was great boarding, clear instructions, etc. Traveling on the weekends are always fraught with danger as you have families and less frequent flyers thus more confusion. But this flight went as planned.

Destroyed my suitcase. Tired of talking about it. Cancelling my unite mileage plus account.

New plane was lovely. Crew customer service is always lax but expected. Kraft on time and arrived safely.

Seat pitch is horrible especially on the 15 hour flight. Gate crew at SFO was Outstanding. The flight crew was also great.

They didn’t offer a water, even after I asked

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

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

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

It was ok. It was expensive to check 2 bags ($75.00 per bag), and then it took a long time to wait for shuttle to take us from one terminal to the terminal where the plane was taking off at LAX. And all of this for a flight where we had to pay for any food or drink that was not water.

When I wanted to check in 3 hours prior to boarding time, the employees mentioned “a little over an hour delay” so I waited for an hour then I went to go look for food in the terminal and most people from that flight were in the same area looking for food. Finally I decided after food to check to see if it’s anytime closer and now it’s 2 mins until boarding closes?! What are you kidding me? I didn’t receive anything via sms about boarding now nor via email or on the intercom. I luckily made it through, barely, and then there’s no room for my carry on mind you I’m in the very first row so I had to place my purse in one further row back and my carry on sections down. Not sure who pays for better seats to get your stuff placed all over the plane but that was the worst experience I’ve ever had flying with anyone.

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

i was unable to check in the flight. refund requested

I think Frontier was very good at communication. Their app worked very well. Loading was great and the flight was nice and easy.

This airline sucks. They offer low rates then charge you for everything, the app does not work well, the seats are the most uncomfortable. Maintenance issues on the flight, and you still have to sit through their credit card commercials. People are nice enough but does not make up for overall poor experience.

Everything you need to know for your flight to San Francisco Bay Area

Information on your arrival and departure airports