SAN - SFO

$69 Find Cheap Flights from San Diego to San Francisco - 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 departing on 8/18. 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

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$90
Typical prices: $115-$234
Frontier
Mon 7/27Tue 7/28
SAN - SFO • Non-stop
Cheapest non-stop
$91
Typical prices: $105-$230
Frontier
Sat 9/12Sun 9/13
SAN - SFO • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts and KAYAK users. AI can make mistakes.
United Economy Plus adds up to six inches more legroom than standard economy.
Frontier Basic Fare skips seat choice and carry-on; Premium Bundle adds both.
Expert advice
Expert advice
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Expert advice
Expert advice
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Alaska Airlines, Frontier and others. Average duration is 1h 39m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
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Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 80% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 49% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 34% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
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Flight Deals
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Diego to San Francisco (SAN-SFO)

 
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 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

Mon, Jul 27 - Tue, Jul 28
Frontier Logo
7:46 pm - 9:38 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 52mnonstop
Frontier Logo
10:23 pm - 12:04 am
SFO
-
SAN
1h 41mnonstop
$90Frontier
Thu, Aug 13 - Sun, Aug 16
Frontier Logo
7:45 pm - 9:32 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 47mnonstop
Frontier Logo
10:23 pm - 11:59 pm
SFO
-
SAN
1h 36mnonstop
$91Frontier
Wed, Aug 5 - Wed, Aug 12
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 9:32 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 47mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:55 am - 9:35 am
SFO
-
SAN
1h 40mnonstop
$92Multiple Airlines
Thu, Sep 24 - Wed, Sep 30
Frontier Logo
4:36 pm - 6:22 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 46mnonstop
Frontier Logo
5:52 pm - 7:37 pm
SFO
-
SAN
1h 45mnonstop
$93Frontier
Thu, Aug 20 - Thu, Aug 27
Frontier Logo
10:00 am - 11:52 am
SAN
-
SFO
1h 52mnonstop
Frontier Logo
1:07 pm - 2:50 pm
SFO
-
SAN
1h 43mnonstop
$94Frontier
Fri, Jul 31 - Mon, Aug 3
Frontier Logo
7:46 pm - 9:38 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 52mnonstop
Frontier Logo
10:23 pm - 12:04 am
SFO
-
SAN
1h 41mnonstop
$95Frontier
Mon, Jul 27 - Tue, Aug 4
Frontier Logo
7:46 pm - 9:38 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 52mnonstop
Frontier Logo
10:23 pm - 12:04 am
SFO
-
SAN
1h 41mnonstop
$97Frontier
Thu, Oct 1 - 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
$98Frontier
Tue, Oct 20 - Thu, Oct 22
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:36 pm - 6:22 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 46mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:40 pm - 6:29 pm
SFO
-
SAN
1h 49mnonstop
$99Multiple Airlines
Wed, Aug 5 - Wed, Aug 12
Frontier Logo
3:03 pm - 9:12 pm
SAN
-
SFO
6h 09m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
10:23 pm - 11:59 pm
SFO
-
SAN
1h 36mnonstop
$100Frontier
Booking Insights

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

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to San Francisco departing in July.

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

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

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to San Francisco on a Friday and more expensive on a Tuesday. On your return trip to San Diego, you should consider flying back on a Saturday, and avoid Sundays for better deals.

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

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, 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 is October, where tickets cost $132 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and June, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $255 and $241 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to San Francisco, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 49% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 9 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Diego 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
Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel Leigh

Expert on ANA

Gabriel is a writer and video creator. As senior content producer for Flightradar24 and Monocle’s transport correspondent, he keeps a close eye on aviation in particular. He has also written travel articles for the likes of The New York Times. Born in New York but raised around the world, he now lives in Sweden. He’s been to 75 countries, flying 2.3 million miles on 113 airlines and through 234 airports in the process.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and Frontier

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 Southwest and 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.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on Alaska 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.

Brandon Schultz

Brandon Schultz

Expert on SAN

Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others, and he is the author of 6 books, including 3 cookbooks.

Good to know

Low seasonJune
Cheapest flight$69
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 21% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 7% increase in price.
Flight from San Diego to San Francisco

When to book flights from San Diego to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Diego 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.

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

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from San Diego to San Francisco 
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.
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 for booking flights from San Diego to San Francisco

  • Is long-term parking possible at San Diego airport and where do I find it?

    The airport features a long-term parking lot, which can be found on Harbor Drive. Here you can leave your car during your time in San Francisco and have it waiting upon your return. The daily rate for a car spot is approximately $20 and the airport can be conveniently reached with the complimentary airport shuttle, which departs from the lot.

  • How can I reach downtown San Francisco from the San Francisco airport?

    The quickest and most convenient way from the airport to the center of San Francisco is by train. The yellow BART train service departs from the airport station and stops at various places in the city. The ride takes about half an hour and costs approximately $9. The SamTrans Bus Service is a cheaper alternative. Routes KX and 292 depart from the airport and stop in downtown San Francisco as well. Tickets are considerably cheaper, at just $2.50, and the travel time is also approximately half an hour. However, traffic can delay the ride considerably.

  • Is there a hotel close to San Francisco airport?

    Whether you have an early flight or late arrival, a nearby hotel can be a convenient option. The Grand Hyatt at SFO is only 3mi from the airport and offers a 24h reception desk service. Alternatively, the Days Inn by Wyndham is equally close to the airport and offers a complimentary airport shuttle.

  • How far is Fisherman’s Wharf from the San Francisco airport?

    The popular tourist district of Fisherman’s Wharf lies on the other side of San Francisco, almost 16mi north of the airport. With a car, you can be there in about half an hour. The yellow BART line goes as far as Montgomery, from where you can board a bus to the Wharf.

  • How can I best get to the Golden Gate Bridge from SFO?

    The Golden Gate Bridge sits approximately 17.3 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and there are various means connecting the two points. However, BART and line 28 bus provide the best way to reach this landmark with a travel time of about 1h. Still, taxis or rental cars offer quicker options, covering the distance in about half the time.

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

    San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has dedicated agents to guide disabled passengers and persons with limited mobility. They’re situated at pre- and post-security, in the curbside and terminal check-in areas. Furthermore, you book an Airport Butler to help with customized airport concierge services from the terminal to the plane.

  • Where are the ATMs found at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO)?

    In case you land in SFO from SAN with a depleted wallet and are looking to recharge it, you won’t have a shortage of options at this facility. Bank of America operates ATMs at the Departures Level near Marketplace A, and Marketplace G.

  • Can I leave my excess baggage SFO?

    The Airport Travel Agency runs storage facilities at SFO for items such as surf equipment, dog kennels, bicycles and canoes, and golf equipment. The lockers are located in the International Terminal Main Hall.

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

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from San Diego to San Francisco was $69 for a one-way ticket and $91 for a round-trip.

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

    Even though you are not required to have a passport, keep in mind that an official ID is needed to board the airplane.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from San Diego to San Francisco?

    When flying out of San Diego you will be using San Diego. You will be landing at San Francisco, also known as San Francisco.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Which is the best airline for flights from San Diego to San Francisco, Southwest or Alaska Airlines?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from San Diego to San Francisco are Southwest and Alaska Airlines. With an average price for the route of $203 and an overall rating of 7.9, Southwest is the most popular choice. Alaska Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $223 and an overall rating of 7.9.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Diego 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 San Diego to San Francisco.

  • 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?

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

    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 San Diego with another airline. Booking your flights between San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to San Francisco

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $154 or less one-way and $228 or less round-trip.
  • If you’ve booked a flight from San Diego to San Francisco with United Airlines, you can benefit from the airline’s lounge at San Diego Airport (SAN). Located in the mezzanine level of Terminal 2 after the security check, the lounge spoils passengers with beverages, snacks and a calm work environment. Pass holders and Business Class flyers gain access for free, but any other passenger of this airline can also enter by paying around $59 at the door.
  • How about a relaxing massage before boarding your flight from San Diego to San Francisco? The Be Relax Spa is situated in Terminal 2 of the San Diego airport and offers a wide array of massages and beauty treatments for the perfect start of your journey.
  • Who wouldn’t like a dog to see them off at the airport? San Diego airport is especially popular for its Ready Pet Go service. Various canines roam the airport building and welcome or see off passengers with wagging tails and happy demeanors. These specially trained dogs can be petted and are a delight for passengers young and old.
  • Explore San Francisco according to your own terms and rent a car for your time in the city. The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has its own car rental center that can be conveniently reached with the AirTrain, which connects all terminals and the center. Here you will find various companies like Avis, Hertz, and National.
  • Should your stomach already rumble after your arrival in San Francisco, you can benefit from the selection of restaurants in the airport’s Food Court, situated in the main terminal hall. Here you’ll find American cuisine in eateries like Potrero Grill as well as international dishes in Koi Palace or 24th & Mission Taco House.
  • San Diego International Airport (SAN) features two terminals lying side-by-side. There’s ground transportation service from each terminal to take you to your plane. Terminal 1 handles most of the passenger traffic, even though Terminal 2 is larger, and boasts modern infrastructure. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by pedestrian walkways.
  • Travelers with scheduled early morning flights from SAN to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) should consider spending a night in one of the hotels adjacent to this facility. Most of such establishments provide courtesy shuttles to and from the airport. Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station and SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront are such hotels.
  • Those flying Delta Airlines from SAN to SFO will be glad to know that the carrier allows passengers to bring their pets such as cats, dogs and rabbits in the cabin. Usually, the pets must have the necessary health documentation and valid vaccination certificates. Besides, you must lock them in their cages during the trip. Nevertheless, check with the airline for any updates in their pet policy.
  • San Diego International Airport (SAN) caters to the needs of the smallest of passengers and their moms. The facility features suites dedicated to nursing and lactating mothers where they can pump and breastfeed in privacy. You can locate them post-security – two in Terminal 1, and one in Terminal 2. Other amenities in these rooms include comfortable seating, electrical outlets, and sinks.
  • In case you want to drop off your car at SAN before your trip to SFO, you’ll have various parking options at your disposal. For short-term on-site parking, locate the space in Terminal 1 Parking Lot, Terminal 2 Parking Lot and Terminal 2 Parking Plaza. Long-term parking is located at the Harbor Drive, accessible via a free shuttle.

Prefer to fly direct from San Diego to San Francisco?

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

Direct departures

San Diego to San Francisco

Monday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to San Diego

Monday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

See more direct flights

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

Other airlines flying from San Diego to San Francisco

Flights from the other most popular airlines that fly from San Diego to San Francisco according to KAYAK users. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability are not guaranteed.