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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to China

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Beijing
Beijing2 stops$864
Guangzhou
Guangzhou1 stop$805
Fuzhou
Fuzhou2 stops$822
Chengdu
Chengdu2 stops$798
Shenzhen
Shenzhen1 stop$811
Chongqing
Chongqing2 stops$849
Shenyang
Shenyang1 stop$775
Hangzhou
Hangzhou2 stops$807
Wuhan
Wuhan2 stops$751
Qingdao
Qingdao1 stop$791
Xi'an
Xi'an2 stops$832
Kunming
Kunming2 stops$1,068
Nanjing
Nanjing2 stops$763
Xiamen
Xiamen1 stop$739
Dalian
Dalian1 stop$861
Changsha
Changsha2 stops$894
Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou3 stops$746
Harbin
Harbin2 stops$825
Wenzhou
Wenzhou2 stops$807
Beijing
Beijing2 stops$864
Guangzhou
Guangzhou1 stop$805
Fuzhou
Fuzhou2 stops$822
Chengdu
Chengdu2 stops$798
Shenzhen
Shenzhen1 stop$811
Chongqing
Chongqing2 stops$849
Shenyang
Shenyang1 stop$775
Hangzhou
Hangzhou2 stops$807
Wuhan
Wuhan2 stops$751
Qingdao
Qingdao1 stop$791
Xi'an
Xi'an2 stops$832
Kunming
Kunming2 stops$1,068
Nanjing
Nanjing2 stops$763
Xiamen
Xiamen1 stop$739
Dalian
Dalian1 stop$861
Changsha
Changsha2 stops$894
Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou3 stops$746
Harbin
Harbin2 stops$825
Wenzhou
Wenzhou2 stops$807
Booking Insights

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

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

Are flights from San Francisco to China cheaper or more expensive than last year?

Fares from San Francisco to China are running about 4% lower than they were around this time last year, averaging $1,062 round-trip.

What are the cheapest fares from San Francisco to China right now?

Here are the cheapest round-trip fares from San Francisco to China on KAYAK in the last week:

• Zhengzhou (CGO) from $746
• Wuhan (WUH) from $751
• Chengdu Tianfu Intl (TFU) from $755
• Chongqing Jiangbei Intl (CKG) from $761
• Nanjing Lukou Intl (NKG) from $763

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

January is the cheapest time of year to fly, with average fares of $853. Prices are highest in December, when average flight costs increase to around $1,640.

When is the best time to book flights from San Francisco to China?

Book your flights 25 weeks before your trip. KAYAK data collected over the past 12 months shows that booking in this window can save you around 22% compared to booking last-minute (within 2 weeks of departure).

Which airport in China is the cheapest to fly to from San Francisco?

Based on KAYAK data from the past 12 months, the cheapest airports to fly into China are:

• Shanghai Hongqiao Intl (SHA) from $834
• Tianjin (TSN) from $853
• Chengdu Tianfu Intl (TFU) from $877

What’s the cheapest day to fly from San Francisco to China?

Tuesday tends to be the cheapest day to fly from San Francisco to China, while Saturday is the most expensive. Fares run about 19% higher that day, based on the past 12 months of KAYAK data.

What's the cheapest time of day to fly from San Francisco to China?

Data from the past 12 months shows it's cheapest to fly to China during the night with average prices of $1,041. The evening is the most expensive time to fly, with average prices of $1,447.

Key details for San Francisco to China flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$386
Beat the crowds with an average 25% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 32% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from San Francisco to Wuhan

Your San Francisco to China flight questions, answered

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

  • Is now a good time to book a flight from San Francisco to China?

    Yes. Fares from San Francisco to China are low right now. As a rule of thumb, a round-trip under $866 (cheaper than most fares this year) is a good deal, so if you spot one at or below that, it's a good time to book.

  • How much should I budget for a flight from San Francisco to China?

    Over the past 12 months, round-trip fares from San Francisco to China have ranged from $866 to $1,461.

  • What are the main airports serving China?

    China has 233 airports. The three busiest are Shanghai Pu Dong (PVG) (25% of arrivals), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) (24%) and Beijing Capital (PEK) (16%).

  • What airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to China?

    Based on the flight schedule for the next 3 months, 4 airlines offer nonstop flights on this route:

    • United Airlines
    • China Southern
    • China Eastern
    • Air China

  • Where in China can I fly nonstop from San Francisco?

    You can fly nonstop from San Francisco to 3 destinations in China. Some of the most popular among KAYAK travelers include Guangzhou, Beijing and Wuhan.

  • Is it cheaper to fly with a layover from San Francisco to China?

    Yes. Nonstop flights from San Francisco to China average $1,266 over the past 12 months, but flights with a layover can cost less. The most affordable connecting airports are:

    • Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl (MNL) from $893
    • Wuhan (WUH) from $959
    • Incheon Intl (ICN) from $1,009

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

    Nonstop flights take 14h 15m on average. The fastest scheduled flight takes 13h 25m, from San Francisco (SFO) to Shanghai Pu Dong (PVG).

  • How often are flights from San Francisco to China delayed and what's the average delay?

    19% of flights on this route are delayed by at least 15 minutes. The average delay is 2h 02m.

  • Which cabin classes are available on flights from San Francisco to China?

    On flights from San Francisco to China you can book Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, Business Class or First Class.

  • What are some popular landmarks in China?

    KAYAK travelers' favorite landmarks in China include:

    • Canton Fair Complex
    • Shanghai Disneyland
    • French Concession
    • People's Square

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

    The earliest nonstop flight from San Francisco to China departs at 12:35 am and the latest departs at 11:35 pm. Nonstop flights take about 14h 15m.

  • What are the available amenities at Shanghai Pudong International Airport?

    Many amenities include Wi-Fi, a business center, left luggage offices, mother-and-baby rooms, an art gallery, a children's park, and a maritime exhibition. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about such facilities, especially after a long journey.

  • Are there direct flights from San Francisco to China?

    Most flights offer indirect services making one, two, or three stops along the way. Flights making one-stop are more expensive and take a shorter time to reach the final destination than those making two or three stops.

  • Which are the arrival airports in China?

    Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) are the arrival stations in China. PVG is southeast of Shanghai city, CAN is in southern China, and PKX is south of Beijing City. All these airports are in some of the best cities in China.

  • Which airlines offer indirect flights from San Francisco to China?

    Philippine Airlines, EVA Air, Air Canada, China Airlines, ANA, Malaysia Airlines, and Etihad Airways offer indirect flight services. The planes make one, two, or three stops before reaching the final destination. Again, time duration and flight tickets vary among these flights.

  • Which is the cheapest route from San Francisco to China?

    Traveling from San Francisco to China via Shanghai Pu Dong is the cheapest route. However, the cheap flight ticket fluctuates from time to time. Therefore, you should check the price ticket before booking, especially if you have a tight budget. The flight can be one-way or round-trip.

Your guide to booking San Francisco to China flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If you can plan ahead, the sweet spot for booking your flight is 25 weeks before your trip. KAYAK data shows fares in this window are around 22% lower than last-minute bookings (made within 2 weeks of departure). Not ready to commit? Set a Price Alert and we'll let you know when prices change.
  • If your travel dates are flexible, book your trip for January when flights are typically cheapest and avoid December when prices are at their highest.
  • Flying on Tuesday is usually the cheapest. Flights on Saturday cost about 19% more on average, so being flexible with your travel dates could help you save.
  • If arriving on time matters more than price, consider flying with one of the most punctual airlines on this route: China Southern, China Eastern, United Airlines and Air China.
  • If you're looking to save, Shanghai Hongqiao Intl (SHA) is the cheapest airport to fly into from San Francisco. If you have onward travel, don't forget to factor in the cost of your journey by train, bus or domestic flight.
  • Start your trip in Shanghai, which is the most popular destination in China. From there, it's easy to continue on to other popular destinations such as Guangzhou, Beijing and Shenzhen.
  • If you want the shortest trip, choose the San Francisco to China nonstop route. If you'd rather save money, the route via Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl (MNL) is usually the cheapest.
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has a play spot for kids to have fun before the departure. This airport also offers wheelchair services to help travelers with disabilities to get in and off planes. You can also take a shower and continue with your journey feeling fresh and relaxed. Upon arriving at the airport in China, you can go to the love channel to access a baby stroller if you have a toddler or a wheelchair if needed.
  • Flights departing from San Francisco also serve other cities in China, including Anshan, Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu, Fuzhou, Jieyang, Nanning, Yanji, Yiwu, Dali, Hohhot, Hefei, and Shanghai.
  • There are many cities offering airport services. However, flight ticket varies depending on the airport the plane arrives at. Thus, you should check this advantage before booking a flight. Again, you should check whether the flight offers direct or indirect services to various airports in different cities.
  • If you are touring China, you need a tourist visa. The passport remains valid for six months before it expires. Just make sure you renew it early enough if you want to stay there longer.
  • In China, it’s mandatory to have car seats for children. Therefore, most rental car companies in China have car seats installed to avoid violating the law. If you have a child, you should ensure to rent a vehicle that has a car seat for children for your child's safety. Risking by choosing a car without a car seat may land you with problems with the law.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from San Francisco to China

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San Francisco to China? 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.
8.1
Asiana AirlinesOverall score based on 567 reviews
8.0Comfort
8.4Crew
7.6Entertainment
8.0Food
8.3Boarding
Airline reviews

I’d have rated Asiana good except an unfortunate incident in which I felt one of your employee didn’t really help us. During the first leg of the trip, the flight from LAX to ICN, I left my backpack on the plane. When I realized, I reported to one of your employee who promised me that it’d be taken care of, that my backpack will be there at HCM city. When we arrived there, HCM people had no idea and my backpack was still at Incheon airport who denied any knowledge whatsoever. I was left in the cold and felt helpless. I was very disappointed. I’d like someone to look into this and let me know.

6.0 GoodAn, Mar 2026
Read more Asiana Airlines reviews

I’d have rated Asiana good except an unfortunate incident in which I felt one of your employee didn’t really help us. During the first leg of the trip, the flight from LAX to ICN, I left my backpack on the plane. When I realized, I reported to one of your employee who promised me that it’d be taken care of, that my backpack will be there at HCM city. When we arrived there, HCM people had no idea and my backpack was still at Incheon airport who denied any knowledge whatsoever. I was left in the cold and felt helpless. I was very disappointed. I’d like someone to look into this and let me know.

It was my first time flying Asiana but i was very pleased with how professional and understanding the flight crew is with little kids. One flight attendant held my 3 year old daughter’s hand guiding her to the exit after landing while i had my hands full with luggage and my infant. She was very helpful.

Love flying Asiana. Been using it for over a decade now.

The beefsteak on the lunch menu was excellent! I usually do not eat airplane food. I loved it.

For the most part, it was an enjoyable experience. It's the 2nd half of the journey was a bit uncomfortable. It was on a noticable smaller plane compared to the previous one.

Only process that my luggage didn’t make it to my destination because of short connection but I understand

I like the food, the crew and everything.!!! Except for the delay in our flight.

Check in agent very rude, no greeting “Hi” or “ Thank you. Doesn’t direct where to go for gate info. In flight crew staff not friendly. Very disappointed ☹️

My favorite airline to fly across the Pacific. The Business class lounge is fantastic, the wonderful flight attendants are helpful and professional. Great comfort while flying.

The flight was delayed for 2 hours, however, we flew home safely.

Very attentive crews Flight was very smooth and safe Only little disappointment was the slight delay of departure (~30 minutes ) which rarely happen with CX flights

Not at all satisfactory. I had stomach upsets after taking food. Quality of Asian vegetarian meal was awful. Further there was no snacks/ fruits/ biscuits available as in between snacks.. only peanuts and pitzels.. except courteous staff rest of my experience was far from satisfactory

Staff was very courteous. Plane was clean and quite spacious even in the last rows. Veg food could have been better.

The flight from Hong Kong to Hyderabad didn’t have any power points to charge my mobile. Given we are no longer allowed to use power banks, giving customers the ability to charge even on short flights is critical part of the overall experience.

when i ask for help all the crew members had a look like why are you calling me? very terse and rude.

There were delays at boarding and landing. These events resulted in a tight transfer time in HK. Poor signage for transfers. Finally, lost luggage at final destination.

Horrible airline. Missed my baggage and don’t want to reimburse for the basis items. Pathetic customer service

Bathroom was not cleaned as often as other airlines does. It was gross for a less than full flight capacity.

While I was in great pain, the seat was sufficiently comfortable to allow me to rest and not be in so much pain.

Flight crew was especially thoughtful and attentive, made sure our seats were comfortable so we could rest on the long flight

It we as a pleasant flight. Good helpful and happy cabin crew. Food was okay, not to write home about. Drinks good. Entertainment okay.. Seat space good , comfort acceptable

Weren’t even given earphones to use the entertainment system

Overall, excellent: check-in, boarding, service, and food. The Business Class seating is a little less private and spacious than the world's premier airlines, but still very good for a long haul flight.

cannot get seat information for LAX to IAH when check in in XI,AN

It's terrible that we can't do online check in because we didn't buy the tickets directly from Air china. It was not explained until I contacted Chatdeal and we could not sit together.

Food and service are good. Bathroom was lack of lotions and cleaning. That should be improved.

Food & service very good next I will pick up again

Everything was not satisfactory - the flight was delayed, staffs were ok but they didn't speak English well. I am from east Asia (not Chinese) and they didn't care enough to remember that I wasn't Chinese but persistently spoke chinese to me. The flight announcement in english wasn't clear to understand.

I wish I had been able to choose a vegetarian meal. Crew friendly and helpful. Seat was ok. All quite efficient and pleasant. Would recommend for inner China travel for sure.

We bought premium Economy, thinking it would be more comfortable, but the seat is so narrow ,that my legs and feet are swollen , I can't wear shoes !

Excellent service from the staff always!!!! Very professional staff! Thanks for the hot tea that I needed throughout the flight I had a problem with my entertainment screen, the movie kept restarting. Overall, a great flight and I would fly China Southern again ! Great Job 👏

We were taking the flight MU 8649 from Shanghai to Osaka and the original boarding gate was 20 and we didn’t receive any notification or broadcast about gate changes, and by the time we missed the original boarding time we check thr electric board and realized the gate was changed to 208 Also the flight was delayed by almost an hour and the crew member didn’t provide any explanation, after we finally boarded the aircraft was very hot, the crew member told me the air conditioning was not working and tried to calm passages down by offering iced water, all of us sat in the aircraft for another 40 mins before it finally took off

Seats not comfortable. We had requested vegan meal and it wasn’t given.

I was denied boarding at the Brisbane airport and it seems like I won’t get any refunds from the airline

Wow very impressed by the quality and attentiveness of service of China Southern. Lived the blankets! Will definitely fly with them again. Despite language barriers, a few attendants know enough English to understand our rudimentary Mandarin and respond to basic questions. Although they don’t explain the beverage and meal service on the website or ticketing documents, they offered regular beverage cart and snacks during the beginning hours and end hours of the long, transoceanic flight. A full meal at the beginning and end of the flight as well, and a midflight small sandwich (dinner roll sized) but we weren’t hungry and didn’t try that one. The expectation is that every sleeps during the middle of the flight. We were on a “redeye” departure from LAX with a morning arrival in China, so I don’t know if this service pattern is the same for other flights. The domestic flight we took from Guangzhou to Harbin offered conventional refreshments and meals like a US flight service. Note that they didn’t offer diet sodas. If you like to stay hydrated, I recommend bringing plenty of your own. It is served in small cups like any other drink. You can ask for a bottle but they’re tiny - about 6 ounces.

The airport didn‘t give me the ticket. I called customer service to ask for a refund but they kept giving me a perfunctory response and refused to refund me.

It was okay. Boarding the staff made you feel rushed like we were late or something

No wheelchair service at all ( I did request that service and also purchased the priority assistant bundle) , what a waste of money

We bought the business class tickets. The check-in staff and onboard crew were excellent, providing commendable service throughout. However, it was disappointing to find that China Southern Airlines does not have a lounge at SFO. Instead, passengers were provided with a $35 per person food voucher, which fell short of expectations. Furthermore, the quality of the onboard food left much to be desired, marking a significant decline compared to our previous flight experience in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

The food was perfect. The boarding process is a bit long. Given the late boarding time, I felt very tired by the time I was seated.

Basic long haul decent price but U pay for what you get. Over 5hrs of transit and terminal was pretty bare with nothing much to do except the lounge

Business Class window seat on my Shanghai to Venice route was broken and could not be converted into a bed which has to switch to a narrow aisle seat instead

It was just fine. The sirlines did live up fully to my expectation.

While boarding at PVG, there was a ticket checking by the gate, then there was another ticket checking right at the bottom of the escalator, which created quite a dangerous congestion. Don't understand why the duplication?

I was traveling alone with an infant, so the crew was incredibly helpful. Both the international and subsequent domestic flights were impeccable.

The flight was delayed by 2 hours, although to their credit they delayed my connecting flight so people could reach it. Also their site is a nightmare to navigate on a phone. Everything else was good.

CTU-KMG-CNX with 1.5 hr connection at KMG. Doable but just barely bc immigration exit from China is at the last flight leg, here: KMG to CNX. We hauled out of the domestic terminal to reenter at the international departures (luggage checked thru to CNX thankfully). Immigration had only two agents, even though KMG gets a HUGE number of foreigners. It took forever for such a shot line. Then security also took a while, so I just just made the connection. Recommend if you exit China with domestic international transfer, plan for 2+ hrs to avoid a heart attack. Airline personnel don’t suffer if you miss the flight, you do. Plan accordingly.

China Eastern as a member of Sky Alliance airlines should have the same standards overall of their partners, Besides the seats comforts everything else is bellow the standard for a business class travelers.

Excellent! I had read some negative reviews but I found out that it was not all was not true! The staff was courteous and helpful. The flight take off and landing was nice & easy. The food was good! I asked for a second and I got it easily and without an attitude! All was wonderful!

Again, I was presented with birthday pastries two times as a celebrated my birthday on both legs of my trip. I will keep flying to China using China Eastern airlines. As they made this trip a special one thank you.

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