SFO - RIO

$343 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro

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 Francisco to Rio de Janeiro departing on 5/2. 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 Rio de Janeiro

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro.
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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$746
Overall average: $1,061
Air Canada, Copa Airlines
Mon 3/16Tue 3/31
SFO - GIG • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way
$336
Typical prices: $480-$602
Avianca
Sat 5/2
SFO - GIG • 2 stops
Top airlines
Avianca
Cheapest • from $777 (round-trip)
LATAM Airlines
Best reviews • 7.5 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Nonstop flights
Not available
There are currently no direct flights between San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro. You'll need at least 1 connection.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
Top layover airports
Toronto (YYZ)
Cheapest • Avg $931 (round-trip)
Dallas (DFW)
Shortest trip • 15h 16m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
November
Cheapest • 19% price drop
February
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
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We hope you love your trip to Rio de Janeiro!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro (SFO-RIO)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro 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 Francisco to Rio de Janeiro

Mon, Mar 16 - Tue, Mar 31
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:20 pm - 11:05 am
SFO
-
GIG
38h 45m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:35 am - 6:25 pm
GIG
-
SFO
20h 50m
1 stop
$746Multiple Airlines
Thu, May 14 - Mon, May 18
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:15 pm - 8:05 pm
SFO
-
GIG
25h 50m
3 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:35 am - 11:55 pm
GIG
-
SFO
26h 20m
2 stops
$763Multiple Airlines
Wed, Mar 18 - Wed, Mar 25
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:30 am - 8:10 pm
SFO
-
GIG
31h 40m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:55 pm - 2:46 pm
GIG
-
SFO
19h 51m
1 stop
$767Multiple Airlines
Thu, Apr 9 - Thu, Apr 16
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:55 am - 8:05 pm
SFO
-
GIG
28h 10m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:40 pm - 12:50 pm
GIG
-
SFO
24h 10m
2 stops
$770Multiple Airlines
Mon, Mar 23 - Mon, Mar 30
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:30 am - 3:10 pm
SFO
-
GIG
26h 40m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:40 pm - 10:35 pm
GIG
-
SFO
33h 55m
2 stops
$771Multiple Airlines
Tue, Apr 28 - Mon, May 4
Avianca Logo
11:55 pm - 12:30 am
SFO
-
GIG
20h 35m
2 stops
Avianca Logo
7:20 am - 11:55 pm
GIG
-
SFO
44h 35m
2 stops
$777Avianca
Sun, May 24 - Mon, Jun 1
Avianca Logo
2:15 pm - 12:30 am
SFO
-
GIG
30h 15m
2 stops
Avianca Logo
4:40 pm - 12:50 pm
GIG
-
SFO
24h 10m
2 stops
$780Avianca
Tue, May 5 - Thu, May 28
Air Canada Logo
8:05 am - 4:45 pm
SFO
-
SDU
28h 40m
2 stops
Air Canada Logo
1:45 pm - 11:25 am
SDU
-
SFO
25h 40m
2 stops
$812Air Canada
Wed, Apr 22 - Mon, Apr 27
Azul Logo
8:10 am - 4:45 pm
SFO
-
SDU
28h 35m
2 stops
Azul Logo
1:45 pm - 9:21 pm
SDU
-
SFO
35h 36m
2 stops
$840Azul
Tue, Apr 28 - Tue, May 5
Air Canada Logo
8:10 am - 4:45 pm
SFO
-
SDU
28h 35m
2 stops
Air Canada Logo
1:45 pm - 10:50 am
SDU
-
SFO
25h 05m
2 stops
$849Air Canada
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro flights

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

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, 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 Francisco to Rio de Janeiro is November, where tickets cost $853 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and January, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,665 and $1,218 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, 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 Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, you should book around 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 24 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$336
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 16% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 4% increase in price.
Flight from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro-Galeao Airport

When to book flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro 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.

FAQs for booking flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro

  • Which airlines from San Francisco to Rio De Janeiro offer environmentally sustainable flights?

    Flight passengers to Rio de Janeiro from San Francisco release about 5416 lbs of CO₂ each. Consider flying one of the eco-friendly airlines, including Avianca, Copa Airlines, LATAM Airlines, and United Airlines. Avianca Airlines has the most sustainable flights on the route with carbon emissions less by 37%. The airline uses fuel-efficient planes and sustainable fuels to ensure lower carbon emissions.

  • Which airlines flying to Rio de Janeiro from San Francisco offer single layover travel?

    There are no nonstop flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro; therefore, consider booking a flight with your preferred layover options when traveling the route. The city you have a stopover in is determined mainly by your airline. If you want a stopover flying from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, consider flying American, Copa, GOL, Lufthansa, and United Airlines, offering single-stop flights. The airlines mostly have single layovers in Munich, Panama, Houston, and Miami.

  • Which airline should I fly to Rio de Janeiro from San Francisco with a pet?

    If you are traveling to Rio de Janeiro with a pet, consider flying American or United Airlines, which allows passengers to bring pets onboard at an additional fee. The airlines allow small dogs and cats weighing at most 20 lbs to travel in a cabin secured in a carrier. Consider American Airlines with a more significant carrier dimension than United Airlines. The dimensions of your pet carrier if flying American Airlines must be at most 19 by 13 by 9 inches.

  • Which airline is recommended for unaccompanied minors flying to Rio de Janeiro from San Francisco?

    Various airlines flying the San Francisco-Rio de Janeiro route allow children between 5 to 14 to travel unaccompanied. Consider booking American, Delta, or United Airlines, which offer extensive services to unaccompanied minors. The airlines ensure the child’s safety by assigning a cabin crew to supervise the child throughout the journey. The airlines provide assistance services to the child at the airports and during the flight, including priority check-in and boarding.

  • What is the cheapest flight from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro was $343 for a one-way ticket and $746 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro?

    Yes

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro?

    We unfortunately don’t have that data for this specific route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro?

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

  • What is the most popular layover when flying to Rio de Janeiro from San Francisco?

    Panama City is the most popular layover city among KAYAK users traveling from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, Delta or LATAM Airlines?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro are Delta and LATAM Airlines. With an average price for the route of $1,268 and an overall rating of 7.9, Delta is the most popular choice. LATAM Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $920 and an overall rating of 7.5.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro?

    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 Francisco to Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

    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 Rio de Janeiro with an airline and back to San Francisco with another airline.

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

    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 Rio de Janeiro from San Francisco 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 Francisco to Rio de Janeiro

  • San Francisco offers three primary international airports: San Francisco Airport (SFO), San José Airport (SJC), and Oakland Airport (OAK). Among them, SFO serves as the main airport for San Francisco, accommodating the majority of international and domestic flights to and from the city. Consequently, if you're looking for flights to Rio de Janeiro that align with your schedule, SFO would be the ideal departure airport.
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK), East of San Francisco Bay, experiences lower passenger traffic than SFO; therefore, an ideal airport if you are looking to have a smooth travel experience. The airport has shorter lines at check-in and security checkpoints.
  • Flights from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro arrive at Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG), located north of the city. The airport is the main gateway to Rio de Janeiro, also serving close-by cities, including Sao Joao De Meriti, Belford Roxo, and Nilopolis.
  • If you are reading to downtown Rio de Janeiro, consider flying into Santos Dumont airport (SDU), which is the closest to downtown Rio de Janeiro. The airport is connected to the public transport system, including buses and the metro, operating at a 10- to 15-minute from the airport to downtown Rio de Janeiro.
  • If you have extra luggage, consider flying United Airlines, as the airline has a favorable carry-on baggage allowance. United Airlines allows one piece of carry-on baggage in a cabin weighing at most 35 lbs with maximum dimensions of 22 by 14 by 9 inches.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro. 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 Francisco to Rio de Janeiro? 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.
7.5
LATAM AirlinesOverall score based on 1919 reviews
7.5Boarding
7.0Entertainment
7.3Comfort
8.0Crew
6.7Food
Airline reviews

Deleted flight made me loose my connection flight now stuck in Atlanta for a day

2.0 MediocreTony, Feb 2026
LGA - ATL
Read more LATAM Airlines reviews

Deleted flight made me loose my connection flight now stuck in Atlanta for a day

Apart of Sky miles delta. And they go everywhere in Brazil

There was a mechanical issue with the plane that they had to work on before we could take off. That's fine, by all means, PLEASE make sure the mechanics are functioning properly. What was a problem was the fact that we sat on the tarmac for 4.5 hours without moving, without letting us off the plane, and without climate control and air running through the plane. There was no explanation as to what was going on; they just kept promising that it would be "15 minutes, then we are on our way." At one point, they even switched the entire crew out and told everyone we just needed to wait for new employees to show up. Then, as the 4 hours were not moving, an hour before the full refund, they made a big show about "the flight starting and the doors are locked, so you have to sit down." We didn't move for another 40 minutes; they were just trying to skirt around legalities that entitled us to restitution. When the flight finally was underway, the plane was gigantic but cramped in design, my entertainment screen kept freezing and glitching, and subtitles didn't work, and the crew was passive-aggressive. Terrible flight.

We traveled with two young children, and it was not possible for our family to be seated together. No one offered help or assistance to organize seating so we could sit with our kids. In the end, we managed to find two seats in Economy so I could at least sit with one of them, even though I had originally paid for Comfort+. In summary, I had to downgrade my seat just to be able to sit with one of my children, which was very disappointing

I booked a flight through Kayak to Brazil I have traveled to Brazil several times before Kayak Delta or LATAM never mentioned during the booking or in the pre flight process that the visa requirements to visit Brazil have changed earlier this year. I was unaware of this change and as such never got a visa and was unable to fly from JFK to Sao Paulo Add to this that Delta allowed me to fly from Boston to JFK which they should not have as I didn’t have a visa. It has been a terrible experience and a huge loss of money

Latam may be the worst airline in the world, far worse than even the lowest of low cost airlines in the USA. I wasted hours trying to PAY THEM TO CHECK A BAG! Then they misled me at the terminal, sent me through the wrong security line, the list goes on and on... Just absolutely terrible in every way. Avoid at all costs.

Poor, the airline was not able to help me move flights.

The way the Pilot made all announcements, specially the way he congratulated the entire crew as the best team ever, making a comment that due to them they were able to shorter the delay to the destination. Amazing flight .

Just to drop my already labeled bag it took 50 minutes inline. Completely disappointed with Latam operation at GRU

I’m entitled to a refund per LATAM due to the mid flight itinerary change and being stuck in São Paulo for 24 hours and needing to get a hotel. The airline was dismissive and of no help.

Flight got delayed; had to go through security three times.

Copa staff at PTY and one particular crew member were unhelpful & rude.

Horrible. No TV or any type of entertainment on board. Passwnger listening to/watching stuff on their own phone with no headphones making it noise and uncomfortable for everyone else, little/tiny food portions, old seats, useless wifi (cant access anything). Horrible exlerience especially it was a lomg distance flight with kids.

There should be a warning regarding the quality of the aircraft on the website as we reserve the tickets. There was no TV or any type of screen onboard. The wifi they offer is good for nothing. Traveling 9 hours straight with kids and no type of entetainment was horrible. I wish I had been informed prior so I could buy a ticket with another airline. The food was a joke too. A very tiny portion per passenger. They also charged $100 per checked bag. With United I used to pay $60. So, fair to say that I wont be flying Copa anymore. Their aircraft was super old, outdated, no entertainment, with nearly no onboard food.

I always enjoy flying Copa. There are very few airlines where I can enjoy a comfortable sleep in-flight. The snacks weren't the best, but they sufficed. The in-flight entertainment was fantastic, and I crossed another movie off my watch list.

Very strict carry on rules meant most of the plane had to gate check their luggage. As is often the case had things that were broken because of this, but I appreciated not being charged to gate check. Otherwise good flight and great crew once on the plane

Simply as follows:- First, there was no vegetarian option for the meal Second, only 2 washrooms for the entire economy class.

I liked the meatloaf the chicken was awful but the plane was on time and got there and the staff was nice.

They were super friendly bumped me up to exit row free of charge, All flight legs were on time

Boarding was quick & efficient; they gave boarding groups due priority; staff & air crew were very cordial and helpful, pleasant flight.

We had turbulence ever 1/2 hr or so and the captains announcements were SOOOO LOUD

it was a very short flight so my expectations were low.

Entertainment kept turning itself off. Gave up on watching a movie.

Very disappointing given gate agent behavior. Filed a formal complaint with United.

Terrible. No customer service, no food, no drinks on a 6 hour premier economy booking.

The flight crew where really good. Better then the crew from BNE to SFO

Food should be changed in menu Many muslims travels in this airlime they need to add one Halal meal

left on time, reasonable boarding process arrived early luggage came out quickly

Some flight attendants were great others were cranky. Seats were very tight and sitting on an aisle was very hard as the carts and people walking constantly bumped shoulder and arm.

Pushed back only to get deplaned due to a tire damaged by ground crew. They did at least go pretty fast. The bathrooms should be banned under the Geneva convention. No room to even sit straight on the toilet. The under-seat entertainment units block what little leg room there is.

Massimo, flight attendant was very authentic, attentive - wonderful. Food/wrap was just okay.

Experience was great. The best part is the free Wi-Fi connection which helps me to work on the flight

The flight was fine. It's the satellite terminal that supports American eagle flights is what sucks. There is only one food option and everything there is way overpriced. I mean I know it's airport pricing, but it's even crazier than that. I bought a sandwich in a plastic container for $18.

The flight was really crowded. Flight attendants were just ok.

Flight was delayed for 2 hours, then last minute the change to on time. The satélite location is far and a nightmare to get to.

We flew in first class. The crew did not offer drinks before the flight took off, but they treated us well during the flight. The food was excellent. There was actually too much food served, but it was nice to have all the options.

For a 5 1/2 hour flite i considered the "business class" to be subpar. The seats were just ok, no amenities, really nothing more than a long domestic flight. Frankly disappointed.

It would be nice to have some low carb options in the snacks.

The entertainment options were at best, fair. It was exactly the same as my outbound flight. It would have been more entertaining if there were some series from Apple TV, HBO, Showtime or other carriers for me to catch up with.

The flight was on time and arrived early. The crew were friendly and helpful.

It was delayed and I lost my connection flight to Cali and I missed my Mom's funeral

I actually upgraded to the medium level of seats from basic and even doing that it may have been physically the most uncomfortable flight I have ever had. They packed everyone like is a train to death camp. It was a red eye so I hoped to get some sleep but it was physically impossible to find a comfortable way to rest. I met other folks on the same flight and they said the same thing. It was an utterly miserable flight and if I have any other options I will never fly with them again

Not good, tried to purchase a first class upgrade and they couldn’t get it done. Was super uncomfortable the whole time.

Boarding was late due to the company’s that cleaned the aircraft (very poorly done) and the catering company. The entertainment system was not working for this six hour flight, uncomfortable seats in business (barely any cushion or recline). The airline staff is very good but the planes are horrible and not well maintained.

Deplaning was a mess, I sat in business (seats are horrible) and the front door had a problem so we had to deplane from the rear exit. The stairs were not tall enough to reach so there was a large step down from the plane to the top of the stairs.

Staff are the rudest in the industry … awful customer service … will never fly Avianca again

Pros: we leave and arrive on time Cons: the most uncomfortable seats ever. You cant recline at all your seats. No entertainment No TVs flight attendants didn't provide even a glass of water. You have to go to back of the airplane and ask for one. I am Colombian and I remember seeing the flight attendants very neat, elegants which is or was a staple of Avianca.it was one with tennis shoes, no male up, the hair was messy... that was really odd.

Here we have another airline flying to Guatemala but doesn't have a plus or a less, just in the middle. Why? Well, first we don't have even free water Movie selection is poor Seats don't recline in some places Food selection is carb based Forgot to mention, customer service on the web is the worst. Good things; Very reliable on schedule Kind crew

Last seat of Bussines Class it does recline but passenger seating behind kept pushing since they did not have space once my seat was reclined

I like the crew they're very friendly. I don't like. on five hour flight they not offered snacks. Any drink. Not even coffee

Everything you need to know for your flight from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro

Information on your arrival and departure airports